Limburg mijn Vaderland

Limburg mijn Vaderland (Limburg my native country) is the official anthem of the provinces of Belgian and Dutch Limburg. The anthem has been written by schoolteacher Gerard Krekelberg in 1909 . The melody was composed by Henri Tijssen () from Roermond. Henri Thyssen also wrote the anthem for Roermond, Oud en trouw Roermond. The anthem was written in Dutch.

In everyday life in Limburg around 1900 Dutch was of no importance. Everything was done in Limburgs. Newspapers in the 19th and early 20th century were written in German or Limburgs and in most parts of Limburg German was the language used in church and education. In this time Maastricht still had a very strong connection with French-speaking areas around Liege . Krekelberg's poem puts quite a lot of emphasis on the unity of (Dutch) Limburg, which was at the time -and arguably still is- a rather culturally diverse area.

The lyrics are written in Dutch. When played, usually only the first stanza is sung. The last part is not sung in Belgium.

Waar in ’t bronsgroen eikenhout, ’t nachtegaaltje zingt.
Over 't malse korenveld, ’t lied des leeuweriks klinkt.
Waar de hoorn des herders schalt, langs der beekjes boord.
Daar is mijn vaderland, Limburgs dierbaar oord! (2×)

Waar de brede stroom der Maas, statig zeewaarts vloeit.
Weelderig sappig veldgewas, kostelijk groeit en bloeit.
Bloemengaard en beemd en bos, overheerlijk gloort.
Daar is mijn vaderland, Limburgs dierbaar oord! (2×)

Waar der vaaderen schone taal klinkt met heldere kracht.
Waar men kloek en fier van aard, vreemde praal veracht.
Eigen zeden, eigen schoon ’t hart des volks bekoort.
Daar is mijn vaderland, Limburgs dierbaar oord! (2×)

Waar aan ’t oud Oranjehuis, ’t volk blijft hou en trouw.
Met ons roemrijk Nederland, één in vreugd en rouw.
Trouw aan plicht en trouw aan God, heerst van zuid tot noord.
Daar is mijn vaderland, Limburgs dierbaar oord! (2×)

Wherein the bronze green oaken wood, the little nightingale sings.
Over the tender cornfield, the lay of the lark sounds,
Where the horn of shepherds echoes, past the stream's board.
There is my fatherland, Limburg's dear place! (2x)

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