biblisch
biblical
Relating to the Bible, originating from the Bible, or in the style of the Bible.
EXAMPLE
Der Pfarrer zitierte eine biblische Geschichte über Vergebung.
The pastor quoted a biblical story about forgiveness.
biblisch
biblical
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Meanings
biblisch
biblical
Used figuratively to describe an enormous, huge, or extraordinary scale.
EXAMPLE
Die Überschwemmung erreichte biblische Ausmaße.
The flood reached biblical proportions.
Usage tips
Word structure
The adjective 'biblisch' (biblical) is derived directly from the noun 'die Bibel' (the Bible). The ending '-isch' is often used to form adjectives that express belonging or origin.
EXAMPLE
Das Wort hat einen biblischen Ursprung.
The word has a biblical origin.
Context clue
The literal meaning refers to the content of the Bible (e.g., a story, a character). The figurative meaning always describes an enormous, extraordinary scale (e.g., a flood, an age).
EXAMPLE
Der Film erzählt eine bekannte biblische Geschichte neu.
The film retells a well-known biblical story.
Typical collocations
In its literal meaning, 'biblisch' (biblical) is often combined with nouns such as 'Geschichte' (story), 'Figur' (character), 'Zitat' (quote), 'Text' (text), or 'Motiv' (motif).
EXAMPLE
Im Kunstunterricht analysierten wir biblische Motive in Gemälden.
In art class, we analyzed biblical motifs in paintings.
Fixed expression
In the figurative meaning, the combination 'biblische Ausmaße' (biblical proportions) is very common. It is often used to emphasize the enormous size or extreme scale of an event.
EXAMPLE
Die Dürre in der Region hat biblische Ausmaße angenommen.
The drought in the region has taken on biblical proportions.
Compare with
biblisch vs apokalyptisch
apocalyptic
Biblisch and apokalyptisch can both describe an exceptionally large or terrible catastrophe. Biblisch primarily emphasizes the enormous scale. Apokalyptisch additionally highlights a chaotic, devastating atmosphere or the impression of a possible end of the world.
biblisch
Nach tagelangem Regen führte das Hochwasser zu einer biblischen Überschwemmung.
After days of rain, the flooding led to a biblical deluge.
apokalyptisch
Nach tagelangem Regen wirkte die zerstörte Stadt wie eine apokalyptische Landschaft.
After days of rain, the destroyed city looked like an apocalyptic landscape.
In real life
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