Anthem of a German Football Club Faces Scrutiny over Nazi Ties, Sparking Family Reckoning
Hamburg, Germany - A beloved anthem of FC St. Pauli, a left-wing football club renowned for its progressive fanbase, is facing increasing pressure due to revelations about its composer’s Nazi past, igniting a debate about remembrance and confronting difficult histories within Germany. The song, Das Herz von St. Pauli (“The Heart of St. Pauli”), has been a fixture at the Hamburg club’s stadium for decades, but recent research by the composer’s great-niece, Hanne Albertz, has brought to light the composer’s membership in the Nazi Party and his work for the regime.
Albertz’s examination, which mirrored a broader trend of younger Germans questioning thier family’s roles during World War II, uncovered uncomfortable truths about her ancestor’s involvement with the Nazi regime. The findings have prompted a re-evaluation of the song’s place within the club’s culture and sparked emotional reactions from fans who have deeply personal connections to the anthem.
“At times, the saga around Das herz von St. Pauli has been uncomfortable,” Albertz stated.”People have said,’Why can’t you just leave it alone?’,or,’What about your family?’. well,I did that. I researched my own family history, and that was also very difficult. I had hoped that I was going to find different things than I did. I had difficult talks with my grandparents as well.”
The controversy arrives as a reckoning with germany’s past continues. Albertz emphasizes the importance of individual family research,noting that widespread beliefs about ancestral resistance are often inaccurate.”I can recommend doing that - for people to talk to their own relatives, research their own family histories, and to ask the hard questions. Many Germans today – around one-third - beleive that their ancestors were part of the resistance or helped jews. Historical research shows this cannot be true. In all likelihood,only about 0.3 per cent of Germans helped those who were persecuted by the regime.”
Despite the emotional weight of the discovery, Albertz understands the song’s significance for many St. Pauli supporters. Fans have shared stories of the anthem being played at significant life events, including funerals and weddings. One relative, whose husband was a devoted fan, continued attending matches after his death, finding solace in Das Herz von St. Pauli. When informed of Albertz’s research, her first reaction was, “Oh, no. I love that song.”
However, the relative ultimately supported Albertz’s work, recognizing that “a genuine culture of critical remembrance demands that we confront uncomfortable truths, even when they make us uncomfortable.” The club has since announced the song will no longer be played at the stadium, a decision reflecting a commitment to confronting its past and fostering a more inclusive environment.
