grace / mercy
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mercy
An act of mercy, forgiveness, or remission of punishment, especially by someone in a position of power.
Der zum Tode Verurteilte richtete ein Gnadengesuch an den Präsidenten.
The person sentenced to death submitted a petition for mercy to the president.
The adjective 'gnädig' (merciful) and the verb 'begnadigen' (to pardon) are derived from 'Gnade' (grace/mercy). All of these words share the basic idea of forgiveness from a position of power.
Der König erwies sich als gnädiger Herrscher.
The king proved to be a merciful ruler.
The word 'Gnade' (grace/mercy) belongs more to elevated or formal language. It is used less often in everyday speech, except in fixed expressions such as 'ohne Gnade' (without mercy).
Er bat um Gnade, aber der Richter blieb hart.
He begged for mercy, but the judge remained harsh.
In a legal or power-political context, 'Gnade' (mercy) is often combined with verbs like 'bitten' (to ask), 'anflehen' (to implore), 'gewähren' (to grant), or 'suchen' (to seek). A typical expression is 'ein Gnadengesuch stellen' (to submit a petition for mercy).
Der Gefangene flehte den König um Gnade an.
The prisoner implored the king for mercy.
The meaning of 'göttliche Zuwendung' (divine favor) is almost exclusively limited to religious or theological texts and conversations. Signal words are 'Gott' (God), 'göttlich' (divine), or 'Sünder' (sinner).
In seiner Predigt sprach der Pfarrer über die Gnade Gottes.
In his sermon, the pastor spoke about the grace of God.
The expression 'ohne Gnade' (without mercy) is used like an adverb and means 'rücksichtslos' (ruthlessly) or 'unbarmherzig' (mercilessly). It describes an action that shows no leniency.
Die Mannschaft kämpfte ohne Gnade um den Sieg.
The team fought without mercy for the victory.
blessing
'der Segen' and 'die Gnade' can both appear in religious contexts and refer to something positive from God or a higher power. 'Der Segen' is often a spoken word or an action that wishes protection and good things. In everyday language, too, you can say that something is 'ein Segen' (a blessing) if it is very helpful. 'Die Gnade' tends to emphasize mercy, forgiveness, or an undeserved act of kindness. The words can be confused because both sound solemn and religious. If someone is being granted protection or wished success, 'Segen' fits better; if it is about forgiveness or mercy, 'Gnade' fits better.
Der König zeigte Gnade und ließ den Gefangenen frei.
The king showed mercy and set the prisoner free.
Vor der Reise bittet die Familie in der Kirche um den Segen.
Before the trip, the family asks for a blessing in church.