The Most Popular German Song, Ranked

Choose the song you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 8, 2024 06:39
Music fans often find themselves in debates about which songs truly capture the essence of a genre or culture. Considering the rich musical heritage of Germany, identifying the most beloved German song can help bridge gaps between generations and showcase the diversity within their musical landscape. By participating in the voting process, you contribute to a dynamic summary of public opinion. This not only gives insights into what others enjoy but also helps you discover trends and perhaps find new favorites among the classics and contemporary hits alike. Your involvement shapes the outcome, adding a personal touch to the public consensus.

What Is the Most Popular German Song?

  1. 1
    102
    votes
    This song was a worldwide hit in the 80s and is still a staple in German pop culture.
    99 Luftballons by Nena is a popular German song that was released in 1983. It tells the story of 99 red balloons being released into the sky, which are mistaken for unidentified flying objects, leading to a nuclear confrontation. The song gained international success and became an anthem during the Cold War period.
    • Genre: New wave
    • Released: 1983
    • Language: German
    • Album: Nena
    • Length: 3:53
  2. 2
    26
    votes
    This song was a massive hit in Germany and Austria and is played at many events.
  3. 3
    34
    votes
    This song was a massive hit in 2013 and is still played at many events.
    Atemlos durch die Nacht is a popular German song by Helene Fischer. It was released in 2013 and quickly became a major hit, not only in Germany but also in other European countries. The song is a lively and energetic pop dance track with catchy lyrics and an infectious melody. It is known for its upbeat tempo and has become a favorite at parties and events. Atemlos durch die Nacht has received numerous awards and accolades, including being certified multi-platinum in Germany.
    • Release date: 2013
    • Genre: Pop
    • Language: German
    • Length: 3 minutes and 39 seconds
    • Certification: Multi-platinum in Germany
  4. 4
    17
    votes
    This song was a worldwide hit in the 80s and is still popular in Germany.
    Major Tom is a popular German song originally performed by Peter Schilling. It was released in 1982 as part of his album titled Error in the System. The song tells the story of an astronaut named Major Tom who is stranded in space and unable to return to Earth. It quickly became a hit, both in Germany and internationally, and is considered one of the most iconic German songs of the 1980s.
    • Language: German
    • Release Year: 1982
    • Album: Error in the System
    • Genre: New Wave|Synthpop
    • Chart Performance (Germany): Peaked at #1
  5. 5
    22
    votes
    This song is one of the most popular German metal songs and has become a cultural phenomenon.
  6. 6
    19
    votes

    Schrei by Tokio Hotel

    Tokio Hotel
    This song was a massive hit in Germany and helped launch the band's career.
    Schrei is a rock song by the German band Tokio Hotel. It was released as the lead single from their debut album also titled 'Schrei' in 2005. The song became immensely popular and helped Tokio Hotel gain international recognition. With its catchy melody and energetic vocals, Schrei became a signature song for the band.
    • Release Date: 2005
    • Album: Schrei
    • Genre: Rock
    • Language: German
    • Length: 3 minutes and 17 seconds
  7. 7
    6
    votes
    This song is a classic German rock ballad and is still popular today.
    Junimond is a popular German song that was released by the German singer-songwriter Rio Reiser in 1986. It belongs to the genre of German rock and is known for its poetic lyrics and melodic composition.
    • Year: 1986
    • Genre: German rock
    • Language: German
    • Lyrics: Poetic
    • Composition: Melodic
  8. 8
    13
    votes
    This song is a popular German punk rock anthem and is played at many events.
    Tage wie diese is a popular German song by Die Toten Hosen. It was released in 2012 and is considered one of the band's most successful songs. The song features a captivating blend of punk rock and pop elements, with powerful vocals and catchy melodies. The lyrics convey a feeling of optimism and a longing for special moments in life. Tage wie diese has become an anthem for celebration and happiness, often performed at live concerts and festivals. The song's uplifting energy and relatable lyrics have resonated with audiences, making it a beloved track in German music culture.
    • Release Year: 2012
    • Genre: Punk Rock, Pop
    • Vocals: Powerful
    • Melodies: Catchy
    • Lyrics Theme: Optimism, Longing for special moments
  9. 9
    19
    votes
    This song is a classic German folk song and is still popular today.
  10. 10
    5
    votes
    This song was a massive hit in 2016 and is still played at many events.
    Wir sind groß is a popular German song that was released by Mark Forster in 2016. It is a feel-good anthem with uplifting lyrics and a catchy melody. The song gained widespread popularity in Germany and topped the charts, becoming one of the most successful songs of Mark Forster's career.
    • Release Year: 2016
    • Genre: Pop
    • Length: 3:27
    • Language: German
    • Album: Tape

Missing your favorite song?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for popular song

  1. Historical and cultural significance
    A song's importance in the history of German music, its influence on other artists, and its connection to national or regional identity and events can play a role in its popularity.
  2. Commercial success
    The song's sales, chart performance (both in Germany and internationally), awards and certifications can be an indicator of its popularity.
  3. Streaming and digital downloads
    In today's music landscape, the number of streams and digital downloads a song has achieved is a key metric for determining its popularity.
  4. Airplay
    The frequency with which a song is played on radio and television can contribute to its popularity, as constant exposure can help to make a song more widely known and appreciated.
  5. Covers and adaptations
    The number of other artists who have covered or sampled a German song can also indicate popularity, as it suggests that the song has had a lasting impact on the music world.
  6. Longevity
    The song's staying power in terms of its continued appreciation and relevance can contribute to its overall popularity.
  7. Social media presence and engagement
    A song's popularity on social media platforms like YouTube, Spotify, TikTok, etc., can be a significant factor in determining its popularity today.
  8. Notable performances
    Memorable live performances (such as at festivals, award shows, or television appearances) can help to increase a song's popularity and enduring appeal.
  9. Music videos and visual presence
    The song's music video(s) and visual presence (if applicable) can contribute to its popularity, as memorable and iconic visuals can help to cement the song in the public consciousness.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular German song. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 3901 views
  • 235 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each song once every 24 hours. The rank of each song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular german song

Germany is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, and music is an integral part of it. German music has a long and varied history, dating back to the Middle Ages. From classical composers like Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart to modern-day pop stars like Heidi Klum and Lena Meyer-Landrut, Germany has produced countless iconic musicians over the years. But what makes a German song popular? Is it the catchy melody, the relatable lyrics, or the emotional appeal? The answer is a combination of all these factors, along with the cultural significance of the song. The most popular German songs are often those that have stood the test of time and have become synonymous with German culture. These songs often evoke a sense of nostalgia and pride among Germans, and they are frequently played at cultural events and celebrations. Whether it's traditional folk music or modern pop hits, German music has something for everyone. So, what is the most popular German song? Let's take a look at some of the top contenders and find out.

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