The song known in English as "99 Red Balloons" was originally German.
Original Language and Release
The song first premiered in German under its original title, "99 Luftballons." This initial version was released in West Germany in March 1983. The English-language version, titled "99 Red Balloons," was released later in the United Kingdom in 1984.
The "99 Red Balloons" version is a direct English translation of the original German hit.
Key Song Details
To clarify the distinction and origin, here are the key details for both versions:
| Detail | German Version ("99 Luftballons") | English Version ("99 Red Balloons") |
|---|---|---|
| Language | German | English (translation) |
| Original Release | March 1983 (West Germany) | 1984 (United Kingdom) |
| Primary Genre | Rock, New Wave, Synth-pop, Neue Deutsche Welle | Rock, New Wave, Synth-pop |
The original German version is characterized by its blend of rock, new wave, synth-pop, and the Neue Deutsche Welle movement, which was a prominent musical style in Germany at the time.
