Famous German Folk Songs | That familiar tune in Japan was actually a German folk song?!
There are many kinds of folk songs around the world, and among them, German folk songs are known for having lots of catchy tunes.
Some people may associate folk music with a traditional and strict image.
However, German folk songs are approachable, and many of them are sung as children’s songs in Japan.
In this piece, we’ll introduce German folk songs that are familiar even to Japanese listeners.
You’ll surely be surprised—“So this song was a German folk song too!” Please enjoy it to the very end.
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Famous German Folk Songs | That familiar tune in Japan was actually a German folk song!? (1–10)
HeidenrösleinNEW!Heinrich Werner
Premiered by Heinrich Werner at a choral concert in 1829, this work is a German Lied that sets Goethe’s poem to melody.
The story, depicting an exchange between a boy and a beautiful flower, is sung to a clear, natural tune.
Combining artistry with familiarity, it became the most widely disseminated among the many musical settings.
In Japan, it has been sung as a children’s song and has strong ties to literary works, including being incorporated into a 1928 operetta.
With its simple, easily hummable motif, it’s a perfect piece for singing at home with children or for a leisurely stroll while savoring the arrival of spring.
Ein Männlein steht im WaldeKinderlieder
A masterpiece of German folk music, “Ein Männlein steht im Walde,” was given lyrics by Hoffmann von Fallersleben, one of Germany’s most famous lyricists, and became popular as a children’s song.
Its riddle-like lyrics are distinctive, and in Japan it was used as a Yamaha Music School commercial song.
Many German folk songs known as children’s songs can be enjoyed for their melodies alone, but this piece becomes even more enjoyable when you read the lyrics—so be sure to check out the Japanese translation as well.
Freut euch des LebensFreddy Quinn
The German folk song “Freut euch des Lebens,” which is also used as an assigned piece for recorder in Japanese music classes, has a very long history and has been beloved in Germany for many years.
It was introduced to Japan during the Meiji era and has since gained popularity as a school music piece and a children’s song.
The melody embodies the cheerful and catchy qualities characteristic of German folk music.
It’s a piece the whole family can enjoy, so if you have young children, be sure to check it out.
Famous German Folk Songs | That familiar tune in Japan was a German folk song!? (11–20)
Summ, summ, summKinderlieder
The German folk song masterpiece “Summ, summ, summ” has a history so long that its original author is unknown.
When lyrics were added by Hoffmann von Fallersleben—famous for writing the lyrics of the German national anthem—it quickly gained popularity and has since been loved as a classic children’s song.
In Japan, it has been covered as a nursery rhyme and is known under the title “Bun Bun Bun.” Many people might be surprised to learn that the very famous “Bun Bun Bun” is actually a cover.
Lore, Lore, LoreDeutschland Orchestra
One of Germany’s most famous folk songs, “Lore, Lore, Lore.” While many German folk tunes are covered in Japan as children’s songs and generally feature cheerful, gentle melodies, this piece is different—it’s arranged with a powerful, march-like quality reminiscent of a military song.
Because of that, it’s occasionally used in Japan as background music at school sports festivals.
If you’re looking for a German folk song with impact, be sure to check it out!
Fuchs, du hast die Gans gestohlenKinderlieder
A work very familiar in Japan, “Fuchs, du hast die Gans gestohlen.” It’s one of the most popular German folk songs and is known in Japan as the children’s song “Kogitsune.” Many people may recall it from the lyrics that start with “Kogitsune konkon, yama no naka.” In Germany, this piece is also treated as a children’s song and features a catchy melody at a moderate tempo that’s easy to listen to.
If you like laid-back, relaxed music, be sure to check it out.
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.