göttlich
divine
Relating to a god or deity; originating from or belonging to a god.
EXAMPLE
In vielen Religionen wird Blitzen als Zeichen göttlicher Macht angesehen.
In many religions, lightning is seen as a sign of divine power.
göttlich
divine
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Meanings
göttlich
divine
Informal and often exaggerated, used for something that is exceptionally good, beautiful, or enjoyable.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Tiramisu schmeckt einfach göttlich!
This tiramisu tastes simply divine!
Usage tips
Word formation
The adjective 'göttlich' (divine) is derived directly from the noun 'der Gott' (god). The ending '-lich' means 'like' or 'belonging to'. So the literal meaning is 'like a god' or 'originating from a god'.
EXAMPLE
Die alten Griechen glaubten an göttliche Botschaften durch Orakel.
The ancient Greeks believed in divine messages through oracles.
Context clue
The context makes the meaning clear. If someone is talking about religion, mythology, or philosophy, the literal meaning 'divine' is intended. If someone is talking about food, appearance, or experiences, the colloquial meaning 'wonderful' is intended.
EXAMPLE
Die Theologin sprach über die göttliche Schöpfung.
The theologian spoke about divine creation.
Register and style
In the meaning of 'wonderful' or 'excellent', 'göttlich' (divine) is colloquial and a strong exaggeration. It is used to express great enthusiasm.
EXAMPLE
Der Schokoladenkuchen deiner Oma ist einfach göttlich!
Your grandma's chocolate cake is simply divine!
Typical collocations
In colloquial use, 'göttlich' (divine) is often connected with sensory impressions. Typical phrases are 'göttlich schmecken' (to taste divine), 'göttlich aussehen' (to look divine), or 'eine göttliche Ruhe' (a divine calm).
EXAMPLE
Du siehst in diesem Kleid einfach göttlich aus.
You look simply divine in this dress.
Compare with
göttlich vs himmlisch
heavenly
Both göttlich and himmlisch can express great praise or have a religious connection. Göttlich refers more directly to a god, while himmlisch can also refer to heaven or paradise and is especially often used figuratively to mean “exceptionally good.” Himmlisch is usually the better choice for food, while göttlich fits a direct reference to a god.
göttlich
Die Gläubigen nennen die Speise göttlich, weil sie der Göttin zugeschrieben wird.
The believers call the dish divine because it is attributed to the goddess.
himmlisch
Die Gläubigen nennen die Speise himmlisch, weil sie wie aus dem Paradies schmeckt.
The believers call the dish heavenly because it tastes like it came from paradise.
In real life
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