CA Country Anthems

Netherlands National Anthem History

Het Wilhelmus

Het Wilhelmus is one of the world's oldest national anthems, with its melody known since before 1572. It officially became the Dutch national anthem in 1932.

Netherlands Het Wilhelmus

Netherlands

Language
Dutch
Anthem
Het Wilhelmus
Duration
1:05
Status
Today, 'Het Wilhelmus' remains the official Dutch national anthem, though typically only the first (and sometimes sixth) verse is performed.

History timeline

  1. Before 1572

    The melody, a French Huguenot tune titled 'Charles,' was already known.

  2. Uncertain (circa 16th century)

    Philips van Marnix van Sint Aldegonde is widely, though disputedly, credited as the lyricist.

  3. 1626

    The song first appeared in a collection of songs assembled by Adriaan Valerius.

  4. 1932

    'Het Wilhelmus' was officially approved as the national anthem of the Netherlands.

The anthem's 15 eight-line verses form an acrostic, spelling out 'Willem van Nassov' (William of Nassau) in their original orthography.