angel
der Engel, die Engel
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angel
A supernatural, spiritual being that is considered a messenger of God in many religions and is often depicted with wings.
In der Bibel überbringt ein Engel Maria eine wichtige Nachricht.
In the Bible, an angel brings Mary an important message.
angel
A term for a particularly good, kind, or helpful person.
Danke für deine Hilfe, du bist ein echter Engel!
Thank you for your help, you're a real angel!
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Engel |
| genitive | des Engels |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Engel | die Engel |
| accusative | den Engel | die Engel |
| dative | dem Engel | den Engeln |
| genitive | des Engels | der Engel |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The figurative meaning ('good person') can be recognized from context. It is often used as a direct form of address or as a big compliment in everyday life. The literal, religious meaning is found in texts about religion, art, or mythology.
Der Fremde half mir mit meinem Gepäck, er war ein echter Engel.
The stranger helped me with my luggage; he was a real angel.
In vielen Gemälden werden Engel mit großen, weißen Flügeln dargestellt.
In many paintings, angels are depicted with large white wings.
A very common compound word is 'der Schutzengel' (guardian angel). It describes an angel who is supposed to protect a particular person, often also in the figurative sense of a rescuer in times of need.
Bei dem Unfall hatte ich wirklich einen Schutzengel.
I really had a guardian angel in that accident.
To thank someone for their help, the fixed expression 'Du bist ein Engel!' (You're an angel!) or 'Du bist ein echter Engel!' (You're a real angel!) is often used. This is a very warm compliment.
Danke, dass du auf die Kinder aufgepasst hast, du bist ein Engel!
Thank you for looking after the children; you're an angel!
Using 'Engel' (angel) for a helpful person is colloquial and emotional. In formal situations, you would generally not use this term.
Meine Nachbarin gießt immer meine Blumen, wenn ich im Urlaub bin. Sie ist ein Engel.
My neighbor always waters my flowers when I'm on vacation. She's an angel.
