Switzerland’s national anthem, officially adopted in 1981, is called the “Swiss Psalm” in English. Its original German title is “Schweizerpsalm,” and it is also known by equivalent titles in Switzerland’s other national languages. The lyrics were written by Leonhard Widmer in 1841, while the melody was composed by Alberich Zwyssig, a Swiss priest.
The anthem describes dawn, mountains, storms, and God’s presence, giving it a strongly religious and Alpine character. It replaced the older patriotic song “Rufst du, mein Vaterland,” whose melody was the same as “God Save the King,” the British royal anthem and former British national anthem.
That shared melody caused confusion at international events, because Switzerland and the United Kingdom could appear to have the same anthem. The “Swiss Psalm” became official after a long period in which the country used it provisionally. Switzerland’s anthem is normally sung in one of its four national languages.