almighty
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almighty
Having unlimited power; omnipotent. Usually used in a religious context to describe a deity.
In vielen monotheistischen Religionen wird Gott als allmächtig, allwissend und allgegenwärtig beschrieben.
In many monotheistic religions, God is described as almighty, all-knowing, and omnipresent.
The word is a compound of 'all' and 'mächtig' (powerful). It literally means 'having all power' and is therefore easy to understand if you know the two components.
Manche Herrscher in der Geschichte hielten sich für allmächtig.
Some rulers in history considered themselves almighty.
In a religious context, 'allmächtig' (almighty) is often used together with 'allwissend' (all-knowing) and 'allgegenwärtig' (omnipresent) to describe the comprehensive attributes of a deity.
Der Glaube an einen allmächtigen und allwissenden Schöpfer ist zentral für die Religion.
Belief in an almighty and all-knowing creator is central to the religion.
In the figurative, ironic meaning, the word is often combined with verbs such as 'sich fühlen' (to feel), 'sich halten für' (to consider oneself), or 'sich aufführen als' (to behave as if). It then describes an arrogant attitude.
Er fühlt sich in seiner neuen Position als Teamleiter absolut allmächtig.
He feels absolutely almighty in his new position as team leader.
powerful / mighty
'mächtig' and 'allmächtig' both describe great power. 'mächtig' means that someone has a lot of influence, or that something is very strong and impressive. However, this power is not unlimited. 'allmächtig', on the other hand, means that someone or something has unlimited power. The word is often used in religious contexts for God. Figuratively, it can also sound ironic when someone behaves as if they could decide everything. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with power. The important point is: 'mächtig' means a lot of power; 'allmächtig' means power without limits.
Im Gespräch wirkt er manchmal, als wäre er allmächtig.
In conversation, he sometimes acts as if he were almighty.
Der Firmenchef ist mächtig, aber er muss trotzdem den Vorstand fragen.
The company boss is powerful, but he still has to ask the board.