What is the English title commonly used for the German carol "O Tannenbaum"?

The English title commonly used for the German carol “O Tannenbaum” is “O Christmas Tree.”

The German title literally means “O fir tree.” The song began as a traditional folk song about the evergreen tree’s faithfulness and was not originally a Christmas carol. Its association with Christmas strengthened as decorated Christmas trees became more widespread in German-speaking Europe.

Educator August Zarnack published an early version in 1820 as “Der Tannenbaum.” Leipzig teacher and organist Ernst Anschütz revised the text and published the familiar Christmas-associated version in 1824. Anschütz added verses connecting the evergreen tree with Christmas joy, hope, and steadfastness.

The melody is also widely reused for other songs and anthems, which can make the carol seem more familiar than its German name. “O Christmas Tree” is a translation or adapted English title, not a literal word-for-word rendering of every verse. The German word Tannenbaum refers specifically to a fir tree, while the English title emphasizes its Christmas setting.