Limburg mijn Vaderland

In Maastricht, a largely Francized city due to its historic ties with Liège, education, theatre and 'polite' conversation and correspondence were in French.

Waar in 't bronsgroen eikenhout, 't nachtegaaltje zingt, Over 't malse korenveld, 't lied des leeuweriks klinkt, Waar de hoorn des herders schalt, langs der beekjes boord: Daar is mijn vaderland, Limburgs dierbaar oord!

Waar der vaad'ren schone taal klinkt met heldere kracht, Waar men kloek en fier van aard, vreemde praal veracht, Eigen zeden, eigen schoon 't hart des volks bekoort: Daar is mijn vaderland, Limburgs dierbaar oord!

Where the little nightingale sings in the bronze green oak [forest], [Where] the lay of the lark sounds over the tender cornfield, Where the shepherd's horn echoes, along the bank of the little stream: There is my fatherland, Limburg's dear place!

Where the broad stream of the Meuse flows stately towards the sea, [Where the] lush, juicy field crops, deliciously grow and flourish, [Where the] flower garden and meadow and forest delightfully shine: There is my fatherland, Limburg's dear place!

Where the fine language of the forefathers sounds with clear strength, Where one by nature prudent and proud, despises foreign pageantry, [Where our] own customs, [our] own beauty pleases the heart of the people: There is my fatherland, Limburg's dear place!