About
Deutschland sucht die Superhymne – Germany in search of the Super-anthem – is an art project, a song-contest for a new anthem in order to replace the old one. The search is on for a song to represent all people living here nowadays – the Super-Anthem!
People living in Germany have a difficult relation to the German national anthem. Not only the millions of immigrants have difficulties relating to this song, also long-time residents have, at the best, an indifferent attitude towards it.
Composed for the longing for unity around 1848, charged with bad associations during the reign of the Nazis and consequently cut by two strophes, the "Song of the Germans" has had an eventful history which did not always take fortunate turns. Also the discussion about the German national anthem led at the time of the Reunification remained without results.
Originated at the time of rising nationalism and the forming of national states in Europe, the national anthem is neither adequate nor contemporary any more these days – with this applying not only to Germany. By its origin, history and tradition it neglects a major part of today's situation. Many of the people living here today come from or live according to different backgrounds, cultures and realities, thus not identifying themselves with the "Song of the Germans".
At last since the Football World Cup 2006 people living here seem to be more at ease with their country and its symbols. Still, no one is really keen on the national anthem.
It's time for the Super-Anthem!
The art project Deutschland sucht die Superhymne questions individual and collective patterns of identity in a seemingly globalized and interdependent world.
For further Information:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_national_anthem