August Heinrich Hoffmann, known as Hoffmann von Fallersleben (born April 2, 1798 in Fallersleben, Electorate of Brunswick-Lueneburg; † January 19, 1874 in Corvey) was a German university professor of German Studies, who contributed significantly to the establishment of the field as a discipline, a poet, collector and publisher of ancient writings of different languages. He wrote the eventual German national anthem, the song of the Germans, as well as numerous popular children's songs.
To distinguish himself from other holders of the frequently held surname Hoffmann, he added the original name "von Fallersleben".
