Rammstein für Deutschlernende
Rammstein's German Lyrics for German-Learners

A Word of Caution

Rammstein's album "Mutter."

The German band known as Rammstein is unique in that it has managed to become popular in the English-speaking world by singing almost exclusively in German. Most other German artists or groups have to sing in English in order to reach the English-language market—or they sing in German and remain virtually unknown in the Anglo-American world. But Rammstein has somehow turned their German lyrics into an advantage. It certainly can become an advantage for learning German.

But Rammstein has also stirred up controversy on their road to fame. One of the latest incidents involved their use of clips from the works of the Nazi filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl in one of their music videos. Even before that, their lyrics and images had given rise to criticism that the band has neo-Nazi or far right tendencies. With German lyrics that are often far from politically correct, their music was even linked to the Columbine, Colorado school shooting. Some British and American radio stations have refused to play Rammstein songs (even if they don't understand the German lyrics). While there is no real evidence that any of Rammstein's six eastern German musicians themselves hold such right-wing beliefs, some people are either a little naive or in denial when they claim that Rammstein has done nothing to lead people to suspect the band of fascist leanings. The band itself has been a bit coy in their claims of "why would anyone accuse us of such things?" In light of some of their lyrics, they really should not pretend to be so innocent.

Rammstein recorded
"Live aus Berlin" in 1998.

However... I personally refuse to join those who totally reject artists for their supposed or actual political views. There are people who won't listen to Richard Wagner operas because he was anti-Semitic (which he was). For me, the talent evident in Wagner's music rises above other considerations. Just because I condemn his anti-Semitism doesn't mean I can't appreciate his music. The same goes for Leni Riefenstahl. Her former Nazi connections are undeniable, but so is her cinematic and photographic talent. If we choose or reject music, cinema or any art form only for political reasons, then we are missing the point of art, and become ourselves guilty of supporting the fascist neo-cons who would love nothing better than being able to dictate to us what we should listen to, what we should see, and what we should be allowed to say.

Rammstein’s album

“Reise, Reise” – 2004

But if you're going to listen to Rammstein's lyrics and their meaning, don't be naive about it. Yes, you can learn German through their lyrics, but be aware that those lyrics may have offensive overtones of a political, religious, sexual or social nature that people have a right to object to. (Not everyone is comfortable with lyrics about sadistic sex or the use of the f-word - even if it's in German.) If Rammstein's lyrics make people think about issues from fascism to misogyny, then that's for the good. If listeners also learn some German in the process, so much the better!

If you want to learn more about Rammstein's music and their song lyrics (in German and English translation), see Rammstein Song Lyrics .

A great site for German learners:
(click the photo)