das Heil
salvation
In a religious sense: the redemption and salvation of human beings, especially salvation through God.
EXAMPLE
Die Gläubigen hoffen auf das Heil nach dem Tod.
The believers hope for salvation after death.
das Heil
salvation / welfare
das Heil
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Meanings
das Heil
welfare
Good fortune, well-being, or a good state for a person or a community.
EXAMPLE
Er setzte sein ganzes Können für das Heil des Landes ein.
He devoted all his skills to the welfare of the country.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Heil, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Heils |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Heil | – |
| accusative | das Heil | – |
| dative | dem Heil | – |
| genitive | des Heils des Heiles | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Typical collocations
In religious texts, the expressions 'das ewige Heil' (eternal salvation), 'Heil erlangen' (to attain salvation), and 'das Heil der Seele' (the salvation of the soul) are common. These expressions help you recognize the religious meaning.
EXAMPLE
Im Gebet bittet sie um das Heil ihrer Seele.
In her prayer, she asks for the salvation of her soul.
Fixed expression
The expression 'sein Heil in etwas suchen' (to seek one's salvation in something) describes an attempt to escape from a difficult situation. The dative follows 'in'; the expression 'sein Heil in der Flucht suchen' (to seek one's salvation in flight) is especially common.
EXAMPLE
Als die Polizei eintraf, suchte der Dieb sein Heil in der Flucht.
When the police arrived, the thief sought his salvation in flight.
Elevated expression
The expression 'zum Heil' (for the benefit) can indicate whom something is intended to benefit. The person or community concerned is often connected by a genitive; this usage sounds elevated or archaic.
EXAMPLE
Der König versprach, zum Heil des Volkes zu handeln.
The king promised to act for the benefit of the people.
In real life
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