August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben was a German poet and philologist, born on April 2, 1798, in Fallersleben, Germany. He is best known for writing the lyrics to the German national anthem, "Das Lied der Deutschen" (The Song of the Germans), in 1841. Hoffmann was a prominent figure in the Romantic movement, advocating for the unification of Germany and the importance of the German language and culture. In addition to his poetry, Hoffmann was a dedicated scholar, contributing to the study of Germanic languages and folklore. He held various academic positions throughout his life, including a professorship at the University of Breslau. Hoffmann's work has had a lasting impact on German literature and national identity, and he passed away on January 19, 1874.