Danish National Anthem

History of the Danish National Anthem

The national anthem placed above is titled "Der er et yndigt land", which translates to "There is a lovely country" in English. The lyrics were written in 1819. However, the music and song were not composed until 1835. Since then, there have been many iterations of the song. However, the original has endured the test of time. The above-listed anthem is the entire piece, but only the words in bold are sung during ceremonies, celebrations, and other such festive opportunities.

Denmark: a Country With 2 National Anthems

Denmark is special; it is one of two countries in the world that has two national anthems, with the other being New Zealand. While both anthems are recognized as equal, Der er et yndigt land is the civil national anthem, while the other - "Kong Christian"-is only used for royal audiences or military parades. Oftentimes, both anthems are played during these demonstrations. The civil national anthem is widely known throughout the country in comparison, as it is played the majority of the time and around the world as well. As such, it has earned itself as the de facto national anthem, which is recognized by foreigners on travel, or during sporting events.

Danish National Anthem Lyrics

Danish National Anthem in Danish


Der er et yndigt land,
det står med brede bøge
nær salten østerstrand
nær salten østerstrand
|Det bugter sig i bakke, dal
,det hedder gamle Danmark
og det er Frejas sal


Der sad i fordums tidde
harniskklædte kæmper,
udhvilede fra strid
udhvilede fra strid
|Så drog de frem til fjenders mén,
nu hvile deres bene
bag højens bautasten


Det land endnu er skønt,
thi blå sig søen bælter,
og løvet står så grønt
og løvet står så grønt
|Og ædle kvinder, skønne mø'r
og mænd og raske svende
bebo de danskes øer
bebo de danskes øer


Hil drot og fædreland!
Hil hver en danneborger,
som virker, hvad han kan!
som virker, hvad han kan!
Vort gamle Danmark skal bestå,
så længe bøgen spejler
sin top i bølgen blå
sin top i bølgen blå


English Translation


There’s a beautiful country
It stands with wide beeches
Near the salty eastern beaches
Near the salty eastern beaches
It bays in the back and valley
It’s called Old Denmark
And it is Freya’s hall


Who sat in former times
The armor-dressed fighters
Rested from the fight
Rested from the fight
then went up to the enemies injury
Now resting their legs
Behind the menhir of the hills


The country that’s still great
because blue is the sea that waves
and the foliage is so green
and the foliage is so green
and noble women and beautiful virgins
and men and healthy swains
inhabit the islands of the Danish
inhabit the islands of the Danish


Hail king and motherland
Hail any Danish citizen
who gives what he can
who gives what he can
Our old Denmark will endure
as long as the beech-tree mirrors
its treetop in the blue waves
its treetop in the blue waves