Lyrics
Himnusz
Isten, áldd meg a magyart
Jó kedvvel, bőséggel,
Nyújts feléje védő kart,
Ha küzd ellenséggel;
Bal sors akit régen tép,
Hozz rá víg esztendőt,
Megbűnhődte már e nép
A múltat s jövendőt!
English translation
God, bless the Hungarians
With good cheer and abundance,
Extend toward them your protecting arm
When they fight the enemy;
Long torn by ill fortune,
Bring upon them a joyful year,
For this people have already suffered
For the past and for the future.
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History
Unlike most national anthems, Hungary's Himnusz is essentially a prayer, opening with the words "God, bless the Hungarians."
Often called one of the world's saddest national anthems, it focuses on centuries of hardship and resilience rather than military triumphs or national glory.
The anthem's famous closing line says the Hungarian people have "already suffered for the past and the future," reflecting Hungary's long and turbulent history.
Sources
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