The International Anthems Quiz

1. Ons Heemecht is the national anthem of Luxembourg, written by Michel Lentz in 1859, and set to music by Jean Antoine Zinnen in 1864. What does the title mean?

Our Homeland

Our Country

Our Love for Our Country

Our Country is Our Home

The title "Ons Heemecht" is in Luxembourgish, the national language of Luxembourg. "Ons" means "our" and "Heemecht" means "homeland". Therefore, the title "Ons Heemecht" translates to "Our Homeland".

Explanation

The title "Ons Heemecht" is in Luxembourgish, the national language of Luxembourg. "Ons" means "our" and "Heemecht" means "homeland". Therefore, the title "Ons Heemecht" translates to "Our Homeland".

2. While England does not have an official national anthem, there are many songs used to fill the role. In most of the national sporting events, God Save the Queen is most often used as an anthem. True or False?

True

False

In England, although there is no official national anthem, "God Save the Queen" is commonly used as the anthem in most national sporting events.

Explanation

In England, although there is no official national anthem, "God Save the Queen" is commonly used as the anthem in most national sporting events.

3. Amhrán na bhFiann is the national anthem of Ireland. The song was composed in 1907, with words by Peadar Kearney and music by Kearney and Patrick Heeney. The first draft, handwritten on copybook paper, sold at auction in Dublin in 2006 for €760,000. What does the title mean?

A Soldier's Love

A Soldier's Song

A Singing Soldier

Soldier On

The correct answer is "A Soldier's Song". The title "Amhrán na bhFiann" translates to "A Soldier's Song" in English. This title reflects the patriotic and military themes of the anthem, which was originally written as a rallying cry for Irish nationalists. The lyrics and music of the song evoke a sense of love and devotion to Ireland and its people, making it an appropriate national anthem for the country.

Explanation

The correct answer is "A Soldier's Song". The title "Amhrán na bhFiann" translates to "A Soldier's Song" in English. This title reflects the patriotic and military themes of the anthem, which was originally written as a rallying cry for Irish nationalists. The lyrics and music of the song evoke a sense of love and devotion to Ireland and its people, making it an appropriate national anthem for the country.

4. Kimigayo is the national anthem of Japan. It is also one of the world's shortest national anthems in current use, with a length of 11 measures and 32 characters. While the title is usually translated as His Majesty's Reign, no official translation of the title nor lyrics has ever been established by law. True or False?

True

False

The explanation for the given correct answer is that the statement is true. The question asks whether it is true or false that no official translation of the title nor lyrics of Kimigayo has ever been established by law. The statement "True" indicates that this is indeed the case, and there is no official translation of the title or lyrics of Kimigayo established by law. This means that while the title is usually translated as "His Majesty's Reign," it is not an officially recognized translation.

Explanation

The explanation for the given correct answer is that the statement is true. The question asks whether it is true or false that no official translation of the title nor lyrics of Kimigayo has ever been established by law. The statement "True" indicates that this is indeed the case, and there is no official translation of the title or lyrics of Kimigayo established by law. This means that while the title is usually translated as "His Majesty's Reign," it is not an officially recognized translation.

5. The Swiss Psalm is the national anthem of Switzerland. It was composed in 1841, by Alberich Zwyssig. Because Switzerland has four official languages, the lyrics of the original German song were translated into three other languages: French, Romansh and what language?

Italian

Portuguese

Latin

English

The Swiss Psalm, the national anthem of Switzerland, was composed in 1841 by Alberich Zwyssig. Due to Switzerland having four official languages, the lyrics of the original German song were translated into three other languages: French, Romansh, and Italian. Therefore, the correct answer is Italian.

Explanation

The Swiss Psalm, the national anthem of Switzerland, was composed in 1841 by Alberich Zwyssig. Due to Switzerland having four official languages, the lyrics of the original German song were translated into three other languages: French, Romansh, and Italian. Therefore, the correct answer is Italian.

6. The national anthem of the Republic of China debuted on July 16, 1924 as the opening of a speech by Sun Yat-sen during the opening ceremony of the Whampoa Military Academy. What is the name of the anthem?

The National Anthem of the Republic of China

Our Homeland

The Song of China

Our Love of Country

The national anthem of the Republic of China is called "The National Anthem of the Republic of China."

Explanation

The national anthem of the Republic of China is called "The National Anthem of the Republic of China."

7. The Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem of the United States of America. The lyrics come from Defence of Fort McHenry, a poem written in 1814 by the 35-year-old lawyer and amateur poet, Francis Scott Key. In what year was the song officially declared by Congress to be the national anthem?

1814

1824

1914

1931

In 1931, the song "The Star-Spangled Banner" was officially declared by Congress to be the national anthem of the United States of America. This recognition solidified the song's status and importance as a symbol of the nation.

Explanation

In 1931, the song "The Star-Spangled Banner" was officially declared by Congress to be the national anthem of the United States of America. This recognition solidified the song's status and importance as a symbol of the nation.