German Songs

Welcome to German Lyrics

German music has incredible range. From powerful rock anthems and raw rap to heartfelt Schlager ballads, industrial metal edges, and thoughtful singer-songwriter tracks, these lyrics often feel direct, poetic, and full of emotion. Whether you’re a native speaker, learning German through music, or just drawn to the sound of words that hit hard, our collection covers thousands of songs — timeless hits that shaped generations and fresh tracks that keep the scene alive.

Browse by genre, artist, or era to find what speaks to you.

Top Genres & Artists

German music has produced legends that last. Here’s a look at the biggest scenes, with artists whose songs people still stream, sing along to, and discover year after year:

• Deutschrap / Hip-Hop – Raw, storytelling bars that dominate charts and streets. Apache 207 (catchy hooks like “Roller”), Luciano, Bonez MC & RAF Camora (huge collabs), Shirin David, Nina Chuba, Kontra K, Capital Bra — plus pioneers like Die Fantastischen Vier and Sido who started it all.
• Rock / NDW (Neue Deutsche Welle) – Punchy, rebellious energy from the 80s onward. Die Ärzte (funny, sharp lyrics), Die Toten Hosen (punk anthems like “Tage wie diese”), Herbert Grönemeyer (emotional rock classics like “Mensch”), Nena (“99 Luftballons” still iconic worldwide), Peter Fox (reggae-infused vibes).
• Industrial Metal / Neue Deutsche Härte – Heavy, theatrical, and intense. Rammstein (provocative anthems like “Du hast” and “Engel” — global legends), Oomph!, Eisbrecher — plus metal pioneers like Scorpions (“Wind of Change” remains a massive hit).
• Schlager / Pop Ballads – Romantic, feel-good, and huge with crowds. Helene Fischer (powerful live shows and hits), Roland Kaiser, Andrea Berg, Howard Carpendale — timeless for parties and weddings.
• Singer-Songwriter / Liedermacher – Deep, acoustic, often political or personal. Reinhard Mey, Konstantin Wecker, Udo Lindenberg (rock-poet style), plus modern ones like AnnenMayKantereit (moody indie vibes).

Other strong scenes we always keep growing: Electronic pioneers like Kraftwerk (influencing the world), folk-inspired tracks, and rising indie/alt sounds from bands like Von Wegen Lisbeth or 01099.

German music has shaped global sounds — think Kraftwerk starting electronic waves, Rammstein selling out stadiums worldwide, or “99 Luftballons” becoming a Cold War-era symbol. Songs like “Wind of Change” or “Männer” by Grönemeyer still rack up millions of streams decades later. The Deutschrap explosion keeps pushing boundaries, with artists blending trap, pop, and real-life stories.

If you’re new, try our “Most Streamed German Songs Right Now” or “Best German Lyrics for Learning” sections. Found a line that hits? Share it in the comments or help add more songs/translations.