"Die Wacht am Rhein (The Watch on the Rhine)" "Die Wacht am Rhein" is a German patriotic anthem. Patriotism is generally cultural attachment to one's homeland or devotion to one's country. The song's origins are rooted in the historical French-German animosity, and it was particularly popular in Germany during the Franco-Prussian War and WWI. The refrain evoked patriotic fervor, "Dear fatherland, no fear be thine, dear fatherland, no fear be thine, Firm and True stands the Watch, the Watch at the Rhine! Firm and True stands the Watch, the Watch at the Rhine!" Patriotism in Germany before the WWI ranked at or near the top, whereas today it ranks at or near the bottom of patriotism surveys. Undated, uncredited artist.