German lyricist Bernd Meinunger, who penned some of Germany’s most iconic Eurovision classics, has passed away at the age of 81.
The German lyricist Bernd Meinunger, one of the most renowned figures in Germany’s Eurovision history and the author of huge hits such as “Ein bisschen Frieden” and “Reise nach Jerusalem”, passed away yeaterday (Friday) at the age of 81. Meinunger died at his home in Grunwald after struggling for years with severe health issues. He passed away following a prolonged battle with a bacterial infection that began after knee surgery around four years ago.
Who Was Bernd Meinunger?
Meinunger was best known as the longtime collaborator and creative partner of legendary Eurovision composer and producer Ralph Siegel. Together, the two created many of the most famous Eurovision songs ever submitted by Germany – Meinunger wrote the lyrics while Siegel composed the music.
Siegel paid tribute to his late friend in an interview, saying:
“He was my brother in creation. Together we wrote the biggest hits of the past 50 years”.
Siegel added about their close personal connection:
“Bernd and his wife Barbara are family… These hours are especially hard for me; we’ve known each other for 50 years”.
Meinunger also wrote for other countries, including Luxembourg, Switzerland, Montenegro, and San Marino. In total, 19 of his songs competed in the Eurovision Song Contest.
His Eurovision Successes
The most notable successes of Siegel and Meinunger include “Ein bisschen Frieden”, which won first place in 1982, and the famous “Dschinghis Khan”, which placed fourth in Eurovision 1979, held in Jerusalem, Israel.
Another composition well remembered by Israeli Eurovision fans is “Reise nach Jerusalem” (“Journey to Jerusalem”), Germany’s 1999 Eurovision entry—also hosted in Jerusalem—which finished in third place. The song invites listeners to join a symbolic journey to the city of Jerusalem as a call for peace and unity among nations and cultures. It was performed in German, Turkish and English, while the last line specially translated to Hebrew. The song even received 12 points from Israel.
Songs written by Meinunger that reached the top three positions in the competition include:
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“Theater” by Katja Ebstein (Germany, 1980 – 2nd place)
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“Johnny Blue” by Lena Valaitis (Germany, 1981 – 2nd place)
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“Laß die Sonne in dein Herz” by Wind (Germany, 1987 – 2nd place)
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“Wir geben ‘ne Party” by Mekado (Germany, 1994 – 3rd place)
Eurovision 2026: This will be Germany’s 69th participation in Eurovision. Germany joined the competition in 1956, was one of the seven founding countries, and has won twice over the years. Germany’s last victory was in Eurovision 2010 with the song “Satellite” performed by singer Lena Meyer-Landrut.
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Ilay Gaist is a leading Israeli content creator and writer specializing in the Eurovision Song Contest. He is a well-known commentator with extensive expertise in the contest’s history, rules, and dynamics. His passion for Eurovision drives him to deliver rich, professional, and innovative content to his audience.
Ilay holds a bachelor’s degree in Arabic and has a multilingual background. He also engages in cultural research, with a particular focus on global culinary traditions and the evolution of local cuisines around the world.
