The Netherlands

Het Wilhelmus

Ben ik, van Duitsen bloed,
Den vaderland getrouwe
Blijf ik tot in den dood.
Een Prinse van Oranje
Ben ik, vrij onverveerd,
Den Koning van Hispanje
Heb ik altijd geëerd.

Mijn schild ende betrouwen
Zijt Gij, o God mijn Heer,
Op U zo wil ik bouwen,
Verlaat mij nimmermeer.
Dat ik toch vroom mag blijven,
Uw dienaar t’aller stond,
De tirannie verdrijven
Die mij mijn hart doorwondt.

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English Translation

William of Nassau

Am I, of German blood,
To my fatherland faithful
I remain until death.
A Prince of Orange
Am I, free and undaunted,
The King of Spain
I have always honoured.

My shield and my reliance
Are You, O God my Lord;
On You I will rely,
Do not forsake me evermore.
Grant that I may remain devout,
Your servant at all times,
And drive away the tyranny
That pierces deeply through my heart.

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These are the 1st and 6th verses of Het Wilhelmus, the two verses most commonly sung from the 15-verse national anthem.

Het Wilhelmus is often called Wilhelmus van Nassouwe.

Het Wilhelmus dates back to the 16th century, making it one of the oldest national anthems in the world.

The lyrics are written from the perspective of William of Orange, the leader of the Dutch revolt against Spanish rule.

Although it’s very old, it was officially adopted as the national anthem only in 1932.