On Novemeber 1st, 1998, his brother passed away. Just a few days later on November 5th his wife passed away due to breast cancer. He took some time off and even thought about ending his career completely. This song was his own coping with grief. It is an homage to his dead wife.
He also said a big part in his decision to continue was his daughter. At the time she was 9 years old and only a couple of days after her mother died she said to Herbert "Papa, versprich mir, dass du weiter singst" which translates to "Daddy, promise me to keep singing"
And now you must know Herbert is from a region of north Rhine Westphalia where people are not that open like he is and normally much more orientated in managing their daily lives and not talking about feelings. And that the translation is 50% accurate to what he sings. Then you know what germans make cry when listening to him Interpretation of "nordisch nobel" in Herbert Grönemeyer's song "Der Weg" Herbert Grönemeyer's song "Der Weg" ("The Way") from the year 2002 has touched people all over the world. It speaks of "nordisch nobel" (Nordic noble), a phrase that resonates particularly with German listeners. But how is this concept understood in other countries? Can people outside Germany grasp the meaning of "nordic noble" or does it get lost in translation? 1. Context in the song "Der Weg": A love declaration and grief processing: The song is a declaration of love and a way of coping with grief after the death of Grönemeyer's wife Anna. Description of the deceased wife: The passage with "nordisch nobel" paints a picture of the woman: "Nordic noble, your gentle kindness, your unyielding pride." Contrast: This description is in contrast to the previous lines ("It was a piece of heaven that you exist. You flooded every room with sunshine. You turned every annoyance into its opposite."), which show the woman in her vitality and zest for life. Metaphor: "Nordisch nobel" can be interpreted as a metaphor for various qualities: strength, dignity, restraint, grace, purity, straightforwardness. Emotional impact: The description underlines the singer's deep admiration and love for his wife and emphasizes the pain of loss. 2. Understanding in Germany: Cultural context: The phrase "nordisch nobel" triggers a chain of cultural associations in Germany. Clichés and stereotypes: Terms like "Nordic", "cool", "blond", "sublime" and "pure" are often associated with Scandinavian countries and their inhabitants. Overcoming clichés: However, Grönemeyer does not use these clichés in a clichéd way, but rather overcomes them by connecting them with "nobel". Intensification of the description: "Nobel" adds depth and sublimity to the woman's qualities. Emotional access: In this way, Grönemeyer succeeds in drawing a complex picture of his wife and creating emotional access for the German audience. 3. Understanding abroad: Lack of cultural associations: In other countries, especially outside Europe, the cultural background is missing to understand "nordisch nobel" in the same sense. Misunderstandings possible: The association with clichés and stereotypes can lead to misunderstandings. Scope for interpretation: Without the cultural context, the term "nordisch nobel" remains more vague and open to interpretation. Universal themes: However, the underlying themes of love, loss and grief are universal and can be understood by people of all cultures. Emotional impact: The emotional depth of the song can also touch people without a full understanding of the term "nordisch nobel". Conclusion: "Nordisch nobel" in Grönemeyer's song "Der Weg" is a complex image that is created through the connection of clichés and a deep reverence for the deceased wife. In Germany, this phrase can be understood through cultural associations, while it can lead to misunderstandings abroad. The underlying themes and the emotional depth of the song, however, are universal and can touch people of all cultures.
When listening to this outstanding lyrics you have to cry. Even when you have not experienced so far what it means to loose a really beloved person. And myself have lost many of them. Everytime when i hear this, it goes very deep.
