Title: PROTOTYPE COLUMN

European anthem

Listen to the music of the video. Have you heard it before? Why is it such an important piece of music and who composed it? Talk about it in class.

[Image: Worksheet Image]

Ode to Joy - the search for the European anthem

The piece is used today as the anthem for the European Union. Although the European Union - also called the EU - hasn't existed for very long, the piece itself is already a few hundred years old. Read what the composer of the anthem says about it and answer the questions below.

Erste Frage

Q: What is the main theme of the poem 'Ode to Joy' used by Beethoven in his 9th Symphony?
- Love and romance
- Friendship and unity among all people (correct)
- War and heroism
- Nature and tranquility

Erste Frage

Q: Why did Beethoven choose Friedrich Schiller's poem for the finale of his 9th Symphony?
- He wanted to experiment with a new style
- It was the only poem available
- He wanted to convey a message of peace and brotherhood (correct)
- He was commissioned to use it

Erste Frage

Q: When did the Council of Europe adopt 'Ode to Joy' as their anthem?
- 1823
- 1985
- 2000
- 1972 (correct)

Erste Frage

Q: What values does the European anthem's melody and message represent?
- Military strength, power, and dominance
- Economic growth, technological advancement, and innovation
- Cultural heritage, tradition, and history
- Freedom, peace, and solidarity (correct)

Erste Frage

Q: Why does the European anthem have no lyrics?
- Because Beethoven's original composition had no lyrics
- The original lyrics were lost over time
- It was too difficult to translate the poem into all European languages
- To avoid favoring any particular language and because music is a universal language (correct)

Erste Frage

Q: What year did Beethoven complete the composition of his 9th Symphony?
- 1812
- 1824 (correct)
- 1823
- 1799

Erste Frage

Q: What symbolic purpose does Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy' serve for the European Union?
- As a tribute to Beethoven's musical genius
- As a representation of Europe's military strength
- As a symbol of unity and cooperation among European countries (correct)
- As a reminder of historical conflicts

Erste Frage

Q: Which organization first adopted 'Ode to Joy' as an anthem?
- NATO
- European Union
- Council of Europe (correct)
- United Nations

Europe and the European Union

Now you know how the EU got its anthem and what the idea behind the EU is. But what exactly is the European Union and which countries are actually part of it? First, read the info box and then answer the tasks below.

Which countries are part of the EU?

Below you will find a list of 20 countries, all of which are located in Europe. Do you know which of them are part of the EU? Mark the EU member states

1. France
2. Norway
3. Germany
4. Italy
5. Switzerland
6. Spain
7. Poland
8. Serbia
9. Ukraine
10. Netherlands
11. Belgium
12. Iceland
13. Sweden
14. Russia
15. Albania
16. Austria
17. Greece
18. Bosnia and Herzegovina
19. Monaco
20. Finland
A: France; Germany; Italy; Spain; Poland; Netherlands; Belgium; Sweden; Austria; Greece; Finland

EU countries introduce themselves

Learn more now about three countries that are members of the EU, and find out how EU membership has affected these countries.

True/False Question

Q: Spain is the fourth largest country in Europe.
A: true

True/False Question

Q: Ireland has a population of approximately 19.05 million people.
A: false

True/False Question

Q: Romania's currency is the Euro (€).
A: false

True/False Question

Q: Pedro Sánchez is the Prime Minister of Spain.
A: true

True/False Question

Q: Romania has been a member of the European Union since January 1, 1986.
A: false

True/False Question

Q: Michael D. Higgins is the President of Ireland.
A: true

True/False Question

Q: Spain's GDP per capita is $106,059.
A: false

True/False Question

Q: Ireland has been a member of the European Union since January 1, 1973.
A: true

Q: Now take another look at all the information you have received about the topic 'European Union' and then answer the question: Do you think the European Union is a good invention? Justify your opinion in a short text.
A: The European Union (EU) can be seen as a good invention for several reasons. Economically, it has created a single market that facilitates trade and investment among member states, leading to greater economic stability and growth. Politically, it has fostered peace and cooperation in a region historically plagued by conflicts. Socially, it has promoted the free movement of people, enhancing cultural exchange and understanding. However, it is not without its challenges, such as bureaucratic inefficiencies and political disagreements among member states. Overall, the EU represents a significant step toward regional integration and collective progress.

The EU member states

The following word puzzle contains 15 EU member states. Can you find them all?