O Tannenbaum, the beloved Christmas song, originated in Germany. Versions were sung there as early as the 1500’s, but the current form developed in the 1800’s.

From Germany, the song spread around Europe and to the United States.

Here are several different versions:

First, O Tannenbaum in German.

Then, since the actual German words are a little different than the way they’re sung in the US, in the song O Christmas Tree, I’ve provided a literal English translation of O Tannenbaum.

That’s followed by O Tannenbaum in French, called Mon beau sapin.

And, finally, the best known English version of O Tannenbaum, called O Christmas Tree.

For everyone who’d like to hear the tune, here’s a
Midi of O Tannenbaum – O Christmas Tree

If you’d like to hear O, Tannenbaum in German, here’s an
MP3 of O Tannenbaum Sung in German,
as sung by Nebe Quartett, and recorded by Thomas Edison a long time ago!

O Tannenbaum
(German)

O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum,
Wie treu sind deine Blätter
Du grünst nicht nur zur Sommerzeit,
Nein auch im Winter wenn es schneit.
O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum,
Wie grün sind deine Blätter!

O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum,
Du kannst mir sehr gefallen!
Wie oft hat schon zur Winterszeit
Ein Baum von dir mich hoch erfreut!
O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum,
Du kannst mir sehr gefallen!

O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum,
Dein Kleid will mich was lehren:
Die Hoffnung und Beständigkeit
Gibt Mut (Trost) und Kraft zu jeder Zeit!
O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum,
Dein Kleid will mich was lehren

*****

O Fir Tree
(Literal English Translation of O Tannenbaum)

O fir tree, o fir tree
How true are your leaves
You don’t only turn green in summertime
But also in winter, when it snows
O fir tree, o fir tree
How true are your leaves

O fir tree, o fir tree
Much pleasure can you bring me
How often, in winter, a tree of your kind
Has already rejoiced me
O fir tree, o fir tree
Much pleasure can you bring me

O fir tree, o fir tree
Your dress wants to teach me
The hope and the stability
Give courage (comfort) and energy for all time
O fir tree, o fir tree
Your dress wants to teach me

*****

Mon beau sapin
(French Version of O Tannenbaum)

Mon beau sapin, roi des forêts
Que j’aime ta verdure!
Quand, par l’hiver, bois et guérets
Sont dépouillés de leurs attraits
Mon beau sapin, roi des forêts
Tu gardes ta parure.

Toi que Noël planta chez nous
Au saint anniversaire!
Comme ils sont beaux, comme ils sont doux
Et tes bonbons et tes joujoux!
Toi que Noël planta chez nous
Tout brillant de lumière.

Mon beau sapin tes verts sommets
Et leur fidèle ombrage
De la foi qui ne ment jamais
De la constance et de la paix,
Mon beau sapin tes verts sommets
M’offrent la douce image.

*****

O Christmas Tree
(English)

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
How are thy leaves so verdant!
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
How are thy leaves so verdant!
Not only in the summertime,
But even in winter is thy prime.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
How are thy leaves so verdant!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
Much pleasure doth thou bring me!
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
Much pleasure doth thou bring me!
For every year the Christmas tree,
Brings to us all both joy and glee.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
Much pleasure doth thou bring me!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
Thy candles shine out brightly!
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
Thy candles shine out brightly!
Each bough doth hold its tiny light,
That makes each toy to sparkle bright.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
Thy candles shine out brightly!

Many thanks to Monique Palomares for the German and French versions of O Tannenbaum, for the literal English translation and for the midi.

Come visit Mama Lisa’s Holiday Song Page for more holiday songs from around the world.

Come visit the Mama Lisa’s World Germany Page for German Children’s Songs and…

The Mama Lisa’s World France Page for French Children’s Songs with their English translations and…

Mama Lisa’s World en français for Children’s Songs from Around the World with their French translations.

I hope you see some beautiful Christmas trees this holiday season!

-Lisa