A disc jockey plays the first verse of the Deutschlandlied at a Bundeswehr Christmas party in Delitzsch - an investigation is now underway. "Extensive disciplinary investigations" have been initiated and the checks also include the civilian service provider, said an army spokesperson when asked by the German Press Agency.
He explained: "Playing the lyrics of the first verse of the Deutschlandlied is in no way compatible with our values." The "Song of the Germans" was written by August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben in 1841.
However, it was misused by the National Socialists for propaganda purposes ("Deutschland, Deutschland über alles ..."). Today, only the third verse with the words "Unity and justice and freedom" is the national anthem. However, the other verses are not banned.
Commander reported the incident
"On December 11, 2025, the first verse of the German national anthem was played by a civilian DJ at the Christmas party in the barracks of the Army NCO School in Delitzsch - contrary to the order to play the national anthem at the end of the event," said the army spokesman.
He said that the commander of the NCO school had ordered the national anthem to be played immediately after the incident. During the event, he had "clearly classified the incorrect playing" and reported the incident to his superiors that evening. According to information from the German Press Agency, there were well over 1,000 guests at the event in the Saxon district town.
Copyright 2025, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved
