Berlin Dein Gesicht Hat Sommersprossen
Hildegard Knef Lyrics

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Berlin, dein Gesicht hat Sommersprossen,
und dein Mund ist viel zu groß,
dein Silberblick ist unverdrossen,
doch nie sagst du:»Was mach' ich bloß?«

Berlin, du bist viel zu flach geraten
für die Schönheitskonkurrenz.
Doch wer liebt schon nach Metermaßen,

wenn du dich zu ihm bekennst?

Berlin, du bist die Frau mit der Schürze,
an der wir unser Leben lang zieh'n.
Berlin, du gibst dem Taufschein die Würze,
und hast uns dein»Na und«als Rettungsring verlieh'n.

Berlin, deine Stirn hat Dackelfalten,
doch was wärst du ohne sie?
Wer hat dich bloß so jung gehalten,
denn zum Schlafen kommst du nie.

Berlin, mein Gemüt kriegt Kinderaugen,
und mein Puls geht viel zu schnell,

nimmst du mich voller Selbstvertrauen
an dein verknautschtes Bärenfell.

Overall Meaning

The song "Berlin Dein Gesicht Hat Sommersprossen" by Hildegard Knef is a tribute to the city of Berlin, personified as a woman with imperfect features. The first verse describes Berlin's face as having freckles and a mouth that is too large, but with an unwavering gaze. Despite these flaws, the singer asserts that Berlin does not lament her appearance or ask "What am I doing wrong?" The second verse continues to highlight Berlin's perceived imperfections, calling the city "too flat" for a beauty contest. However, the singer values Berlin for the connection it fosters with its inhabitants, and suggests that beauty is not solely based on appearances.

The third verse compares Berlin to a mother figure, with whom the singer and other inhabitants are "tied for life." The city's character is described as giving flavor to official documents such as birth certificates, and as a "life buoy" in difficult times. The final verse returns to the subject of Berlin's appearance, with the singer acknowledging the wrinkles that line the city's forehead. However, the singer seems to find these imperfections endearing, suggesting that they contribute to an eternal youthfulness that is represented by Berlin's inability to sleep.

The song is a love letter to the city of Berlin, celebrating its character and unique spirit despite its imperfections. Knef's choice to personify the city as a woman with distinct features reinforces the idea that true beauty comes from within and is not dictated by common standards. Additionally, the song highlights the values of community and resilience that are so important to the city, which has undergone significant political and cultural changes in the 20th century.

Line by Line Meaning

Berlin, dein Gesicht hat Sommersprossen,
Berlin, your face has freckles,

und dein Mund ist viel zu groß,
and your mouth is much too big,

dein Silberblick ist unverdrossen,
your silver gaze is steadfast,

doch nie sagst du:»Was mach' ich bloß?«
yet you never say 'What am I doing?'

Berlin, du bist viel zu flach geraten
Berlin, you have become too flat

für die Schönheitskonkurrenz.
for the beauty competition.

Doch wer liebt schon nach Metermaßen,
But who loves according to measurements,

wenn du dich zu ihm bekennst?
when you confess to him?

Berlin, du bist die Frau mit der Schürze,
Berlin, you are the woman with the apron,

an der wir unser Leben lang zieh'n.
to whom we cling all our lives.

Berlin, du gibst dem Taufschein die Würze,
Berlin, you give the baptismal certificate its flavor,