What do you think “Das Lila Lied” (“The Lilac Song”) means to Bertie, Sofie, Karl, and Gert? What do you think it represents in the story itself?
Bertie explained to Karl that “Das Lila Lied” was the “anthem of our community.” It was sung at every party, show, and wherever they could “get away with it.” It was written in honor of Dr. Hirschfeld and was a statement about solidarity, belonging, and being who the lilac people were meant to be. It is not at all unusual for communities and countries to have anthems, and sometimes a specific musical piece becomes symbolic organically simply as members of the community relate to and adopt it as representative of who they are, what they believe, etc. For Sofie and Bertie, it was reminder of happier times when they were with their friends and able to be their authentic selves in a safe environment. When they felt progress toward equality was being made and would continue as the public became educated and tolerance grew. For Karl, it was part of his inclusion in the family he found with Sofie and Bertie, and an affirmation of his acceptance. It was a symbol of his survival and finding his way in the world as a free man who would never again have to endure what he suffered in Dachau.
Janie-Hickok-Siess said it so well! This song was an anthem of community and an acknowledgment of the presence and refusal to be erased of trans people at the time. It also reminds me of efforts now by various marginalized groups to find joy in their groups (e.g., Black joy, Jewish joy). For Bertie and Sofie, the song evokes memories of a better time as well as pride in their community; for Karl, it offers hope and a sense of belonging. I speak German, and I appreciated the German lyrics at the end of the book. Although I’m not at all a professional translator, I thought the translation was excellent.
This is an excellent analysis. So much of this book deals with Bertie, Sofie, and Karl trying to navigate around restrictions that don’t allow them to express themselves or live their lives as who they really are. “Das Lila Lied” provided that sanctuary. I thought the symbolism of playing the anthem on their soundless keyboard on their journey to America was also quite poignant, as it was another example of them trying to hold onto the things that make them who they are, but having to still be quiet about it.
It’s a symbol of identity, defiance, and hope. Written in 1920s Germany as a gay liberation anthem, it takes on significance for the main characters in the novel.
For Bertie, “Das Lila Lied” reminds him of what it means to live authentically. He recognizes the song’s message of resistance and dignity. It symbolizes his understanding of those who suffer and his resolve to stand beside them, even when it is risky.
Sofie sees “Das Lila Lied” as a protest in poetry. It speaks to her empathy and her belief in people’s dignity. The song represents the fight for justice and remembrance for those who perished and those who resist oppression. It gives her purpose, especially in caring for Karl.
For Karl, the song is deeply personal. As someone who likely identifies as queer and is a survivor of Dachau, where many gay men were imprisoned and killed, “Das Lila Lied” represents everything he was punished for: his identity, his humanity, his right to love. Hearing or remembering the song is both painful and empowering—it connects him to a legacy of people who refused to be erased.
Gert may represent people forced into silence or complicity. He hears the song with guilt and veneration. It is a voice for those who could not speak or were silenced by fear. It is a disturbing reminder of the lives lost, and as a challenge to never be silent again.
“Das Lila Lied” represents the heart of the novel’s message: Even in the face of hatred, the human spirit can sing. It reminds the characters that memory is an act of resistance, and that truth and love can survive even the darkest history.
It becomes a unifying motif, linking the characters’ journeys to a battle for justice. The delicate yet strong lilac becomes a symbol for those who refuse to be destroyed.