With which words does the German national anthem begin?

The German national anthem uses the third stanza of the “Deutschlandlied,” which begins with the words “Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit.”

• Identify which song is the official national anthem by recalling it uses the third stanza of the “Deutschlandlied.”
• Eliminate lines from other famous songs: the workers’ anthem (“Die Internationale”), eethoven’s “Ode to Joy” (EU anthem), and the former East German anthem.
• Look for keywords tied to constitutional values (unity, law, freedom) to distinguish the correct opening.
• If unsure, think of school or sports event renditions; the first line is widely sung before matches and ceremonies.