Hymne

Hymne is a German noun meaning hymn. It designates a song of praise, typically used in religious worship, and in modern usage also a ceremonial or national song. The term derives from Latin hymnus, via Greek hymnos, and entered German from earlier French influence. Its usage spans liturgical hymns in churches as well as secular odes that praise a person, a nation, or a concept.

In liturgical practice, hymns appear in hymnals and are often sung to established melodies. They may address God, saints, or biblical events, and can be sung by individuals or communities. The broader sense of Hymne also covers ceremonial or commemorative songs that celebrate or honor subjects beyond strictly religious worship.

When used to refer to a national context, Hymne denotes a country’s ceremonial song, commonly called a national anthem in English. In German, die Hymne or die Nationalhymne is used to describe a nation’s official song, with Deutschlandlied serving as the German national anthem in customary usage. The exact designation can vary by context, but Hymne remains a general term for songs of praise that carry symbolic or ceremonial significance.

The concept of Hymne is linked to hymnology, the scholarly study of hymns, their texts, melodies, and roles in worship and public life. Across languages, parallel terms reflect shared roots in Greek and Latin—hymnus and hymn—underscoring a common tradition of song used to praise and unify communities.