WWII German Karl Bröger Patriotic Poem Bekenntnis Deutschland Wartime Document

Original period German typewritten copy of “Bekenntnis” (Confession / Declaration) by German poet Karl Bröger (1886–1944).

The sheet contains the complete four-stanza patriotic poem, with “Karl Bröger” typed prominently at the top followed by the title “Bekenntnis.” The text repeatedly concludes with “Deutschland” and deals with love of country, wartime service, sacrifice, Poland, Flanders and defense of the homeland.

English Translation

Karl Bröger – “Bekenntnis” (Confession)

1.
We have always known a love for you,
though we never called it by a name.
When we were called, we silently marched away,
the word not on our lips, but in our hearts:
Germany.

2.
Our love was silent; it smoldered deeply hidden.
Now that its time has come, it has risen high.
For months now it has protected your house in East and West,
and calmly strides through storm and bleak weather,
Germany.

3.
So that no foreign foot may tread upon the homeland,
one brother dies in Poland, another lies wounded in Flanders.
We all guard the sacred hem of your frontier.
Our most flourishing life for your thirsting tree,
Germany.

4.
We have always known a love for you,
though we never called it by its name.
But your greatest danger revealed it magnificently:
that even your poorest son was also your most faithful.
Remember it, O Germany!

The wording referring to Poland and Flanders reflects the poem’s origins in the First World War, rather than describing WWII campaigns. This example appears to be a later period typewritten copy, making it an interesting piece of German patriotic literary and historical ephemera.

The document shows age and handling wear including several period folds, creasing, small stains, edge wear and minor imperfections. Please examine all photographs carefully for exact condition.

An interesting original period piece for collectors of German wartime documents, Karl Bröger material, German poetry, WWI remembrance material, WWII-era ephemera, military history and historical German literature.

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