This poem is the only one by Theodor Storm I ever translated, and I did so spurred on by nostalgia for my own hometown, which the poem reminded me of.
I never would have dreamt that this small translation would go on to be one of my most read pieces of all time.
However, many people besides me have obviously found the poem moving – so here you go: My translation of Theodor Storm: “Die Stadt”
the youthful magic through and through
Theodor Storm: The Town
rests smilingly on you, on you,
you grey town by the sea.
At greyish beach, by greyish sea
and off track lies the town;
the darkness press roofs heavily
and through the silence roars the sea
monotone through the town.
Here sighs no wood, nor sings nearby
the birds in month of May;
the wandering geese with their sharp cry
alone in harvest nights pass by,
on the beach grasses sway.
Still clings all of my heart to you,
you grey town by the sea;
the youthful magic through and through
rests smilingly on you, on you,
you grey town by the sea.
This is the best translation by far. I am German but have lived in the US forward long time. My family are all North Germans. I know Husum well and was there in May, visited the Theodor Storm House once more. The poem Die Stadt has moved me to tears several times and your translation, which a friend sent, did them same. Thank you for this wonderful translation. I presume you have read Der Schimmelreiter.
Thank you so much for your comment! I am glad you enjoyed the translation.
As you can probably tell, I am very fond of this poem myself. I am Danish but my father’s family is originally from Schleswig, which is why I became aware of Theodor Storm in the first place. Out of all his writing, “Die Stadt” has always been my favourite, because it reminds me not just of Husum, but also of Nakskov, the Danish town I myself grew up in.
It really pulls at the heartstrings. I am glad to hear that my translation is accurate enough to do the original justice. 😊
A friend of mine is moving and gifted me Theodor Storm’s Werke in Einem Band.
“Die graue Stadt am Meer” has always been one of my favorite poems (even though I was born in Southern Germany), and your translation moved me to tears.
Thank you for your excellent work which made it possible to share this beautiful poem with non German speakers
Dear Brigitte, thank you so much for your comment. It has always been one of my favourite poems as well, which is why I decided to translate it and make it accessible to more people. I am so glad to hear that you liked the translation – it means a lot.