Oh Tannenbaum
Frans Bauer Lyrics


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O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Wie treu sind deine Blätter!
Du grünst nicht nur
Zur Sommerzeit,
Nein auch im Winter, wenn es schneit.
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Wie treu sind deine Blätter!
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum!
Du kannst mir sehr gefallen!
Wie oft hat nicht zur Weihnachtszeit
Ein Baum von dir mich hoch erfreut!
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum!
Du kannst mir sehr gefallen!

O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum!
Dein Kleid will mich
Was lehren:
Die Hoffnung und Beständigkeit
Gibt Trost und Kraft
Zu jeder Zeit.
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum!




Das soll dein Kleid
Mich lehren.

Overall Meaning

The song "O Tannenbaum" is a traditional German Christmas carol that celebrates the attributes of the evergreen fir tree, also known as the Tannenbaum. The song is sung in three stanzas, and each stanza highlights the tree's unique characteristics that represent hope, loyalty, and consistency. The first stanza praises the tree's faithfulness, noting how its green leaves remain throughout the year, even in the harshness of the winter season. The second stanza expresses the singer's love for the tree and how it brings joy during the Christmas season. The third and final stanza uses the evergreen's metaphor to teach the listener about the value of having a hopeful and consistent spirit, represented by the tree's unchanging nature.


The lyrics of "O Tannenbaum" have been interpreted historically and culturally in various ways. On a surface level, the song celebrates the beauty and strength of nature. It also has religious and cultural significance, as the Christmas tree is a symbol of the Christian holiday and represents the "tree of life" from the Bible. Additionally, the song has been used for political purposes, with the third stanza being modified during World War II to reflect Nazi ideology. Today, the song is a popular holiday tune and is often played during the Christmas season.


Line by Line Meaning

O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum, Wie treu sind deine Blätter!
Oh, Christmas tree, oh, Christmas tree, how faithful are your leaves!


Du grünst nicht nur Zur Sommerzeit, Nein auch im Winter, wenn es schneit.
You are not only green in the summer, but also in the winter, when it snows.


O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum, Wie treu sind deine Blätter!
Oh, Christmas tree, oh, Christmas tree, how faithful are your leaves!


O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum! Du kannst mir sehr gefallen!
Oh, Christmas tree, oh, Christmas tree! I like you very much!


Wie oft hat nicht zur Weihnachtszeit Ein Baum von dir mich hoch erfreut!
How many times at Christmas has a tree like you made me so happy!


O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum! Du kannst mir sehr gefallen!
Oh, Christmas tree, oh, Christmas tree! I like you very much!


O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum! Dein Kleid will mich Was lehren:
Oh, Christmas tree, oh, Christmas tree! Your clothing wants to teach me something:


Die Hoffnung und Beständigkeit Gibt Trost und Kraft Zu jeder Zeit.
That hope and constancy give comfort and strength at all times.


O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum! Das soll dein Kleid Mich lehren.
Oh, Christmas tree, oh, Christmas tree! Your clothing should teach me that.




Writer(s): Christian Kolonovits

Contributed by Camilla A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

danny van strien

Danny van Strien Op het woonwagen kamp van Frans Bauer

Vriendelijke groeten Danny van Strien Dichter

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