Himnusz ( [ˈhimnus] ; "Hymn") is the national anthem of Hungary. It was adopted in 1844 as the "de facto" (unofficial) anthem of Hungary, then later in 1989 as "de jure" (in accordance with the law). The lyrics (music words) were written by Ferenc Kölcsey in 1823, and the melody was composed by Ferenc Erkel in 1844.