Famous German Folk Songs | That familiar tune in Japan was actually a German folk song?!

Mh, mh macht der grüne FroschKinderlieder

Mh, mh macht der grüne Frosch – Kinderlieder zum Mitsingen | Sing Kinderlieder

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.

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Drunten im UnterlandGotthilf Fischer

Drunten im Unterland

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.

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Hänschen kleinKinderlieder

Hänschen klein – Kinderlieder zum Mitsingen | Sing Kinderlieder

Among German folk songs, the beloved classic Hänschen klein is considered one of the oldest works and is cherished in Germany.

Not only is it popular there, but it is also very familiar in Japan.

Many of you may immediately recognize it when you hear it.

That’s right—this song is the original tune of the very popular Japanese children’s song Chōchō.

It might be interesting to compare the Japanese nursery rhyme version with the German folk song version and listen for the differences.

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Wenn der weisse Flieder wieder bluhtPaul Godwin

Donnerwetter! Tausend Frauen: Wenn der weisse Flieder wieder bluht

The German folk song “Wenn der weisse Flieder wieder blüht,” so famous that there is even a film of the same title, is actually not a work that originated in Germany.

It was originally composed by the Austrian musician Franz Doelle.

The song was later brought into neighboring Germany, where it became a major hit, and today it seems to be recognized as part of Germany’s traditional musical repertoire.

While the piece overflows with the musical character of the Bavarian region, its melody is essentially crafted as a popular song close to traditional jazz.

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Der letzte AbendNEW!Volkslied

At last, the long-lost original song of “Furusato wo Hanaruru Uta” emerges: the German-language version by a German songstress, Der letzte Abend (Untertitel)/The Last Evening (subtitles)

A song that is also well known in Japan as a beloved standard.

It features a lyrical melody that gently sings of parting from a lover, and it has been confirmed to have been included in a German folk song collection in 1863.

In Japan, it spread in 1913 through Ichishō Yoshimaru’s translated lyrics as “Song of Leaving One’s Hometown,” reborn as a piece that sings of a bittersweet farewell to one’s homeland.

Its melody, evoking the quiet and poignancy of night, gently stays close to the heart.

It’s perfect for times when you want to be alone with your thoughts on a quiet night or look back on fond memories.

Please savor its warm resonance, passed down across eras and borders.

Alle Vögel sind schon daNEW!Kinderlieder

Alle Vögel sind schon da – Kinderlieder zum Mitsingen | Sing Kinderlieder

A nursery song beloved around the world that you’ll want to listen to with the arrival of spring.

It’s a classic passed down from Germany’s rich tradition of children’s songs.

With lyrics published in 1837, this historic piece captures birds’ chirping and the coming of warmer days with a light, lively melody.

Long sung in educational settings, it remains enduringly popular today.

Its very easy-to-remember tune makes it perfect as a gateway to language learning.

It’s a song you’ll want to hum along to with your child or listen to while taking a walk and soaking in the spring sunshine.

Horch, was kommt von draußen ‘reinNEW!Volkslied

Horch was kommt von draußen rein 🎶 Deutsches Volkslied

Among German folk songs, this piece is one of the most familiar in Japan.

It depicts a scene where the hopeful thrill and anxious uncertainty of a love interest possibly arriving from outside coexist, set to an approachable melody.

Its cheerful refrains are especially appealing, creating a structure that becomes more exhilarating when sung in a group.

It has long been cherished as a symbol of German character and nostalgia.

In Japan, its tone is loved much like “The Mountain Musicians,” and it is widely sung at home and in choral settings.

With its bright yet bittersweet emotions intersecting, this piece is perfect for occasions where everyone wants to enjoy a warm, friendly atmosphere together.