Famous German folk song | That Japanese tune was actually a German folk song?!
There are many kinds of folk songs around the world, but German folk songs are particularly famous for being catchy.
I think many people imagine folk music as something traditional and strict.
However, German folk songs don’t have that kind of atmosphere at all.
That’s because many well-known German folk songs are actually familiar in Japan as children’s songs.
You’ll probably find yourself thinking, “Wait, this was a German folk song?!”
Now then, please take your time and enjoy German folk music!
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Famous German Folk Songs | That Japanese tune was actually a German folk song!? (1–10)
Mh, mh macht der grüne FroschKinderlieder
Among German folk songs, one especially popular piece is “Mh, mh macht der grüne Frosch.” It’s a frog-themed song, and in Germany there are two children’s songs on the same theme.
One of them is “Froschgesang,” which is also well known in Japan as the children’s song “Kaeru no Uta.” The other is this “Mh, mh macht der grüne Frosch.” Compared to the “Kaeru no Uta” we usually hear, this one features an even catchier melody.
Ich bin ein MusikanteKinderlieder
The German folk song “Ich bin ein Musikante,” which sings about musicians happily performing.
This piece is also very popular in Japan and is known as a children’s song under the titles “Yama no Ongakuka” (Mountain Musicians) and “Minna Ongakuka” (Everyone’s a Musician).
Many people may remember hearing it in elementary school.
As the title suggests, the melody has a cheerful feel that leaves a strong impression, making it a song enjoyed by a wide range of ages, from children to adults.
Drunten im UnterlandGotthilf Fischer
The German folk song “Drunten im Unterland” is notable for its grand melody.
In Japan, it’s known under the titles “Morgenröte” or “Morgenrot,” and Japanese cover versions have been released under titles like “Bōkyō no Uta” (Song of Longing for Home) and “Waga Furusato” (My Hometown).
Morgenröte means “dawn glow,” and the song’s bright, uplifting melody perfectly evokes a morning scene—ideal for morning time.
Be sure to check it out.
Stein SongRudy Vallée
The classic song “Stein Song,” which was also covered in Japan in the early Showa era.
In Japan, it’s familiar as a German folk song, but in fact it isn’t German folk at all—it’s a piece reimported from the United States.
That said, it’s also very popular in Germany, and today it’s a well-known pop song recognized by both children and adults.
With that in mind, we’ve picked it up this time.
Its Japanese title is “Kanpai no Uta” (Song of the Toast), and as the title suggests, it features a lively, cheerful melody.
Auf’m Tanzboden bei der Wirtin Zum SternFranzl Lang
German folk songs are not very popular in Japan.
Because of that, many people may have a rather vague image of what German folk music is like.
For those people, I recommend the song “Auf’m Tanzboden bei der Wirtin Zum Stern.” Several German folk songs are known in Japan as children’s songs, but this piece is different: it stands out for its more traditional, ethnic sound.
It even features yodel-like parts, so if you enjoy folk music, be sure to check it out.