Song Meaning

Nena's "A.U.S. – aus (1 - 6)" initially presents itself with the childlike simplicity of a playground taunt. The opening lines, "A.U.S. – aus / Du hast 'ne Laus / Ich hab's gesehn / Und du kannst gehn," translate to "Out – out / You have a louse / I saw it / And you can go." The repetition of "aus," meaning "out," creates a sense of immediate rejection and exclusion, amplified by the accusation of having a louse—a symbol of uncleanliness or undesirability. This stark, almost brutal, dismissal sets the stage for a peculiar power dynamic. The singsong delivery makes it deceptively benign, masking a deeper commentary on societal exclusion. However, the narrative takes an unexpected turn with the subsequent lines: "Gehen kannst du noch lange nicht / Sag' mir erst wie alt du bist – Sieben / 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7." ("You can't leave yet / Tell me how old you are – Seven / 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7.") This shift introduces an element of control and delayed gratification, the speaker asserting dominance before allowing the subject to leave. The demand to reveal their age, specifically "seven," followed by the counting sequence, injects a disturbing undertone. It transforms the initial playground-like exclusion into something more calculated, possibly hinting at exploitation or manipulation of innocence. Ultimately, "A.U.S. – aus (1 - 6)" is more than just a schoolyard rhyme. The lyrics analysis reveals a layered exploration of power, exclusion, and the unsettling intersection of innocence and control. Nena uses deceptively simple language to create a disturbing atmosphere. The song's brevity and repetitive structure only amplify its unsettling impact, leaving listeners to grapple with the darker implications lurking beneath the surface. It’s a chilling reminder of how easily vulnerability can be exploited, even within seemingly innocent frameworks.