NIKOLAUS HERMAN (1480 or 1500–1561)
Origin and Work in Jáchymov
Nikolaus Herman was born in 1480 or 1500 in Altdorf. In 1518 he became a teacher at the Latin school in Jáchymov, an important educational institution in the rapidly growing mining town.
The school played a major role in the intellectual and religious life of the city and educated many future clerics and scholars.
Connection with the Reformation
Herman was connected with the early Lutheran Reformation. A letter addressed to Martin Luther dated 6 November 1524 has been preserved and documents his contact with the leading figure of the Reformation movement.
In addition to his teaching duties he composed numerous spiritual songs intended both for church services and for educational use.
Hymn Writing
On 24 July 1557 he retired from his teaching position and devoted himself more intensively to writing religious songs.
His hymns were intended mainly for children and for use in Protestant worship. Their simple and clear form contributed to their wide dissemination.
Work
In 1560 his hymn collection Sontags evangelia was published. It contains mainly songs intended for children and for liturgical use during Sunday services.
Many of Herman’s hymns are still sung in Protestant churches today.
Death
Nikolaus Herman died on 3 May 1561 in Jáchymov.
