German word

Hymne

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈhʏmnə/

Meaning

  • feminine nounhymn

Example

Im Gottesdienst sangen wir mehrere Hymnen.

During the service, we sang several hymns.

Illustration for Hymne (hymn)

More examples

Der Komponist schrieb eine neue Hymne für die Universität.

The composer wrote a new hymn for the university.

Core concept

A solemn song sung by a group to praise a god, nation, or shared ideal.

Common phrases

  • eine Hymne im Gottesdienst

    a hymn at the church service

  • als Hymne dienen

    serve as a hymn

  • die Hymne vertonen

    set the hymn to music

Similar words

Nationalhymne: An official song performed or sung to honor a country and its people.
Lied: An ordinary song sung by an individual or group in daily life or for art.
Choral: A religious choral piece sung in church.
Lobgesang: A long song of praise expressing respect or gratitude.

Definition in German

Ein feierliches Lied, das Lob oder Verehrung ausdrückt und oft in religiösen oder staatlichen Zusammenhängen gesungen wird.

Word origin

German Hymne comes through Latin hymnus from Greek humnos, a term for a song of praise.

Usage tips

  • Hymne is feminine, so the article is die, and its plural is Hymnen.

Other meanings

  • anthemnoun

Opposites

  • Klageliedlamentnoun
  • Spottgesangmocking songnoun

Related words

  • Hymnendichterhymn writernoun
  • hymnischhymnicadjective

Word lists with this word