The Republic of German-Austria was formed in 1918 as the successor to the multinational Austro-Hungarian Empire in its predominantly German speaking part.

The government and population was much in favour of a unification with Germany, the German nation-state that had been formed in 1871 but had excluded Austria.

Seelen, die gleich wie Berge beständig, Sinne, die gleich wie Wasser lebendig, Herzen so sonnig, mitteilsamer Gunst, Schaffen sich selber ihr Glück, ihre Kunst.

Gibt es ein Schlachtfeld rings in den Reichen, Wo deiner Söhne Knochen nicht bleichen?

Endlich brachst du die Ketten entzwei, Diene dir selber, sei dein!

High from the Alm under the glacier dome, The waters rush to the Danube River, They water in the highlands the shepherds and lambs, They drive with a crash the mills and hammers, They greet many villages, many towns, and run Joyously towards their aim, our unique Vienna!

Souls like as mountains constant, Senses like as water lively, Hearts so sunny, full of benevolence, Create themselves their own happiness and art.

Thy loyal service hath brought thee hardship and remorse, Be to us in freedom, true to thyself!

Finally, thou hast broken thy chains in twain, Serve thyself, only thee!