The letters 'j' and 'u' used in some modern transcriptions do not occur in classical Latin. The New-Latin word Antiburschius refers to opponents of the 19th-century politically active German student fraternities. īelow is Kindleben's 1781 Latin version, with two translations to English (one anonymous, and another by Tr.

The current Latin lyrics with a German translation were published by Halle in 1781 in Studentenlieder ('Students' Songs') written by Christian Wilhelm Kindleben (1748-1785), who admitted to making important changes to the text.

A Latin version in a handwritten student songbook, dating from some time between 17, is preserved in the Berlin State Library (formerly located at Marburg) however, this differs considerably from the modern text. A German translation of these verses was made in about 1717 and published in 1730 without music. The music accompanying this poem bears no relation to the melody which is now associated with it. A poem starting with the words Subscribere proposui ('I have suggested signing (it)') has two verses that closely resemble the later Gaudeamus igitur verses, although neither the first verse nor the actual words Gaudeamus igitur appear. The proposition that the lyrics originate in 1287 is based on a manuscript held in the Bibliothèque nationale de France in Paris. The centuries of use have given rise to numerous slightly different versions. In the UK, it is sometimes affectionately known as ' The Gaudie'. The song is sometimes known by its opening words, 'Gaudeamus igitur' or simply 'Gaudeamus'. In private, students will typically sing ribald words. The song contains humorous and ironic references to sex and death, and many versions have appeared following efforts to bowdlerise this song for performance in public ceremonies. The lyrics reflect an endorsement of the bacchanalian mayhem of student life while simultaneously retaining the grim knowledge that one day we will all die.

It was known as a beer- drinking song in many early universities and is the official song of many schools, colleges, universities, institutions, student societies and is the official anthem of the International University Sports Federation. It is in the tradition of carpe diem ('seize the day') with its exhortations to enjoy life. The song is thought to originate in a Latin manuscript from 1287. Despite its use as a formal graduation hymn, it is a jocular, light-hearted composition that pokes fun at university life. ' De Brevitate Vitae' ( Latin for 'On the Shortness of Life'), more commonly known as ' Gaudeamus igitur' ('So Let Us Rejoice') or just 'Gaudeamus', is a popular academic commercium song in many European countries, mainly sung or performed at university and high-school graduation ceremonies.

Gaudeamus igitur juvenes dum sumus