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August Von FallerslebeGerman Germanist, songwriter, in 1841 on the island of Helgoland
Date of Birth: 02.04.1798
Country:  Germany |
Content:
Biography of August von Fallersleben
August von Fallersleben, a German philologist and songwriter, was born on April 2, 1798, in the village of Fallersleben, which is now part of Wolfsburg. Despite not coming from a noble background, he adopted the prefix "von" and the name Fallersleben (after his place of birth) to distinguish himself from other poets who shared the common German surname Hoffmann.
The Song of the Germans
In 1841, while on the island of Heligoland, which was then part of Great Britain, von Fallersleben wrote the lyrics for the "Deutschlandlied" (Song of the Germans), which included the famous line "Deutschland, Deutschland über alles" (Germany, Germany above all else). This song would later become the national anthem of Germany. von Fallersleben's contribution to the country's cultural heritage through this iconic song solidified his place in history.
Legacy and Passing
August von Fallersleben passed away on January 19, 1874, at the Abbey of Corvey near the town of Höxter. His life's work as a Germanist, poet, and songwriter left a lasting impact on German literature and music. His dedication to preserving and celebrating the German language and culture continues to inspire generations. Through his contributions, von Fallersleben will always be remembered as a significant figure in the cultural history of Germany.
