I Hear the Message

In the first scene of Goethe’s Faust, the scholar Faust sits alone at night and raises a cup to his lips. Easter bells ring, and a choir announces the resurrection. Faust answers: Die Botschaft hör ich wohl, allein mir fehlt der Glaube (I hear the message well, but I lack the faith). The line became a familiar quotation in German, a skeptical answer to good news.

understand-culture
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.