Translations of 3 of Rammstein's Top Hits

Rammstein is a famous German band whose music is best described as dark, heavy rock. They are somewhat political and often take on social issues in their songs and that has led to controversy.

Whatever your take on Rammstein's political views, the band's lyrics are also a lesson in German. If you are studying the language, you might find these lyrics and the English translations to three of their most popular songs helpful.

An Introduction to Rammstein

Rammstein was formed in 1993 by six men who grew up in East Germany and were all born after the Berlin Wall went up. They took their name from the American Ramstein air base near Frankfurt (adding an extra m).

The band's members are Till Lindemann (b. 1964), Richard Z. Kruspe-Bernstein (b. 1967), Paul Lander (b. 1964), Oliver Riedel (b. 1971), Christoph Schneider (b. 1966), and Christian "Flake" Lorenz (b. 1966).

Rammstein is a unique German band in that it has managed to become popular in the English-speaking world by singing almost exclusively in German. Most other German artists or groups (think the Scorpions or Alphaville) have sung in English in order to reach the English-language market or they sing in German and remain virtually unknown in the Anglo-American world (think Herbert Grönemeyer).

Yet, Rammstein has somehow turned their German lyrics into an advantage. It certainly can become an advantage for learning German.

Rammenstein Albums

• "Herzeleid" (1995)
• "Sehnsucht" (1997)
• "Live aus Berlin" (1998, also a DVD)
• "Mutter" (2001)
• "Lichtspielhaus" (2003, DVD)
• "Reise, Reise" (2004)

The Controversy That Surrounds Rammstein

Rammstein has also stirred up controversy on their road to fame. One of the most famous incidents occurred in 1998. It involved their use of clips from the work of the Nazi filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl in one of their music videos. The song, "Stripped," was a cover of a Depeche Mode song and the films used spurred protests against what some saw as a glorification of Nazism.

Even before that well-publicized incident, their lyrics and images had given rise to the criticism that the band has neo-Nazi or far-right tendencies. With German lyrics that are often far from politically correct, their music was even linked to the Columbine, Colorado school shooting in 1999.

Some British and American radio stations have refused to play Rammstein songs (even if they don't understand the German lyrics).

There is no real evidence that any of Rammstein's six eastern German musicians themselves hold such right-wing beliefs. Yet, some people are either a little naive or in denial when they claim that Rammstein has done nothing to lead people to suspect the band of fascist leanings.

The band itself has been a bit coy in their claims of "why would anyone accuse us of such things?" In light of some of their lyrics, they really should not pretend to be so innocent. The band members themselves have admitted they intentionally make their lyrics ambiguous and full of double entendre ("Zweideutigkeit").

However... we refuse to join those who totally reject artists for their supposed or actual political views. There are people who won't listen to Richard Wagner operas because he was antisemitic (which he was). For me, the talent evident in Wagner's music rises above other considerations. Just because we condemn his antisemitism doesn't mean we can't appreciate his music.

The same goes for Leni Riefenstahl. Her former Nazi connections are undeniable, but so is her cinematic and photographic talent. If we choose or reject music, cinema, or any art form only for political reasons, then we are missing the point of art.

But if you're going to listen to Rammstein's lyrics and their meaning, don't be naive about it. Yes, you can learn German through their lyrics, simply be aware that those lyrics may have offensive overtones of a political, religious, sexual, or social nature that people have a right to object to. Keep in mind that not everyone is comfortable with lyrics about sadistic sex or the use of the f-word - even if it's in German.

If Rammstein's lyrics make people think about issues from fascism to misogyny, then that's for the good. If listeners also learn some German in the process, so much the better.

"Amerika" Lyrics

Album: “Reise, Reise” (2004)

"Amerika" is a perfect example of Rammstein's controversial style and it is also one of their best-known songs worldwide. The lyrics include both German and English and it includes countless references about how America reigns over world culture and politics—for good or bad.

As you can tell by the last verse (recorded in English, so no translation is needed), this song was not written with the intent of idolizing America. The music video is filled with clips of American influence throughout the world and the overall feel of the song is rather dark.

* This refrain is used throughout the song, at times it is only the first four lines. In the last refrain, the sixth line is replaced with "Coca-Cola, sometimes WAR,".

"Spieluhr" (Music Box) Lyrics

Album: "Mutter " (2001)

The "Hoppe hoppe Reiter" phrase, repeated often in "Spieluhr" comes from a popular German nursery rhyme. The song tells the dark story about a child who pretends to be dead and is buried with a music box. It is the music box song that alerts people of the child's presence.

* The refrain is repeated after the next two verses and again at the end of the song.

* *Totensonntag ("Dead Sunday") is a Sunday in November when German Protestants remember the dead.

"Du Hast" (You Have) Lyrics

Album: "Senhsucht" (1997)

This Rammstein song plays on the similarities of the conjugated forms of the verbs haben (to have) and hassen (to hate). It is a good study for anyone learning the German language.

* This is a play on two German verbs: du hast (you have) and du haßt (you hate), spelled differently but pronounced the same way.

The German lyrics are provided for educational use only. No infringement of copyright is implied or intended. The literal, prose translations of the original German lyrics by Hyde Flippo.