A call roars out like a peal of thunder,
Like the clash of sword and the crash of waves:
To the Rhine, the Rhine, to the German Rhine!
Who will the river's guardian be?

Refrain:
 Dear Fatherland, be at rest:
 Firm and loyal stands the watch on the Rhine!

Past hundreds of thousands it rushes fitfully,
And every eye flashes brightly:
The German man - free, devout and strong
Protects the sacred landmark. 

(Refrain)

He looks upward into the blue of heaven,
Where the spirits of heroes look downward,
And swears with noble forcefulness:
You, Rhine, will remain German, like my breast. 

(Refrain)

So long as a drop of blood is still warm,
A fist can wield a sword,
And an arm can raise a weapon,
No enemy will tread on its sacred shore.

(Refrain)

The pledge rings out, the waves yet run,
The banner flutters high in the wind;
To the Rhine, the Rhine, the German Rhine!
We all will be its guardian.

(Refrain)