Tue 24th Dec, 2024
The annual Christmas address delivered by the German Bundespräsident holds significant weight in reflecting on the year gone by and addressing current events. As Frank-Walter Steinmeier prepares to deliver his speech on December 25, he is expected to reference the recent tragic attack in Magdeburg, continuing a tradition of addressing pressing issues during these festive messages.
A review of past Christmas speeches reveals a pattern where the language used reflects the historical context and major events impacting Germany and its citizens. Notably, the speeches of 2020 and 2021 were marked by the inclusion of the term ‘pandemic,’ a clear indication of the COVID-19 crisis that influenced the nation.
Frank-Walter Steinmeier has been recognized for his succinctness, with an average speech length of 874 words. In contrast, previous presidents like Christian Wulff and Joachim Gauck maintained even shorter average speeches, often under 700 words. However, figures like Walter Scheel and Gustav Heinemann tended to offer more elaborate addresses.
The first Christmas address was delivered by Heinemann, shifting the tradition from the office of the Chancellor, which had previously held the responsibility for Christmas messages. This transition was agreed upon after Chancellor Willy Brandt expressed that heartfelt speeches were not his forte, emphasizing the need for rational political discourse.
Analyzing the lexical choices in these addresses highlights thematic trends. The word ‘wir’ (we) appears over 1,100 times, emphasizing a collective sentiment among the populace. Other frequently mentioned terms include ‘uns’ (us), ‘Menschen’ (people), ‘Welt’ (world), and concepts like love and peace, all reflecting the values and concerns of the times.
Each address typically follows a structure of reflecting on the past year while offering a message for the year ahead. This format, however, allows for wide thematic variation. For instance, during times of crisis, specific words and phrases resonate more prominently. In 1981, for example, President Karl Carstens urged citizens to engage in dialogue rather than resorting to violence, a reflection of societal tensions at the time.
Significant events have also shaped the messages over the years. After the tragic events of the Berlin Christmas market attack in 2016, Gauck’s address was filled with expressions of fear, anger, and helplessness. In other years, themes of reconciliation emerged prominently, particularly after events like the Munich massacre in 1972 or the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.
In recent addresses, Steinmeier has focused on contemporary issues such as the conflict in Ukraine and the ongoing challenges posed by terrorism. His speeches have also included references to the Christmas narrative, echoing the traditional message of hope and comfort, often encapsulated in the phrase ‘Fear not,’ which has been mentioned in multiple addresses throughout the years.
As the nation anticipates Steinmeier’s upcoming speech, it is expected that he will provide not only a reflection on the past year but also a message of hope and encouragement for the future, particularly in light of recent events. The essence of these speeches lies in their capacity to unite the people and address the shared challenges facing the nation.
