I have heard the Dutch national anthem played a fair few times during the past week or so because of national remembrance day on the 4th of May, Liberation Day on the 5th and the week before the celebration of King Willem Alexander’s birthday. Ever wondered about the origins of the Dutch national ditty? Well, wonder no more.
Origins of the Dutch National Anthem
The national anthem is entitled “Het Wilhelmus”. The song is more than 400 years old.
It is thought to have been written back around 1572 but the writer of the piece remains uncertain. There are two theories, one being Philios van Marnix and the other Dirck Coornhert, but many doubt that either of the men wrote it due to the nature of the language and no claim being made by either.
A notable fact is that Het Wilhelmus has only actually been the official recognised Dutch anthem since 10 May 1932. Before that it was a popular ditty in any case and sung on more than one official occasion throughout Dutch history.
The origins of the tune is less uncertain and is based on a french song, “Autre chanson de la ville de Chartres assiégée par le prince de Condé”.
What is the Dutch National Anthem About?
The song tells the story of Willem van Oranje (known also as Vader des vaderlands because of his importance in Dutch history) and the tale of his fight against the King of Spain. The anthem is about the Dutch struggle for independence from Spain.
Willem didn’t always agree with the Dutch king but wanted to remain faithful to him – and do right by the Dutch people and his country.
The song is written as if Willem himself is singing it.
How Does it Go?
Het Wilhelmus is made up of fifteen verses and is an acrostic; the first letter of each verse originally spelling Willem van Nassov (old Dutch for Willem van Nassau).
Also interesting to know that some vowels in some of the words have been changed so that they rhyme – call it poetic licence if you like.
In other words. you’re best off not honing your Dutch language skills by means of the national anthem…..
For those of you who feel the need to stand up and sing the first verse of the Dutch national anthem next time the orchestra strikes up, here it is:
Wilhelmus van Nassou ben ik, van Duitsen bloed,den vaderland getrouwe blijf ik tot in den dood.Een prinsje van Oranje ben ik, vrij onverveerd,den koning van Hispanie heb ik altijd geëerd.
The original lyrics (taken from Wikipedia) went like this:
Wilhelmus van Nassouwe
Ben ick van Duytschen bloet
Den Vaderlant getrouwe
Blyf ick tot in den doet:
Een Prince van Oraengien
Ben ick vrij onverveert,
Den Coninck van Hispaengien
Heb ick altijt gheeert.
And in English:
William of Nassau, scion
Of a German and ancient line,
I dedicate undying
Faith to this land of mine.
A prince am I undaunted,
Of Orange, very fearless,
To the king of Spain I’ve granted
A lifelong loyalty.
And if you want to hear all 15 versus knock yourself out using this YouTube link.
When is the Dutch National Anthem Played?
It is played at ceremonies and special events. However, it may only be played during the receiving of a head of state if a member of the Dutch royal house is present. This is not the case in most other countries.
You’ll hear it played at international sporting events, like World Cup football tournaments. If the Dutch actually make it to the finals. Which is not the case this year, but was in 2010.
When the Dutch sportsmen and women win an Olympic medal the anthem plays so during any given winter Olympics you’ll hear it a lot!
Usually only the first verse (and often the sixth too) is played on such occasions to ensure that thousands of people do not have to sit through fifteen minutes of unknown music.
Let’s Write A New Anthem – Ready for a Challenge?
Given that the current Dutch national anthem is based on an historical event that certainly no longer features in daily conversation it may well be time to come up with a new one. What should it be about? What story summarises the modern day Netherlands?
Anyone creative enough to pen the first verse of a potential new Dutch anthem? In Dutch or English and bonus points if it fits the current music.
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