01
die Gottheit
deity
A supernatural, divine being worshipped in a religion; a god or goddess.
example
In der griechischen Mythologie ist Zeus die oberste Gottheit.
In Greek mythology, Zeus is the supreme deity.
die Gottheit
deity / divinity
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word formation
The word consists of 'Gott' (God/god) and the ending '-heit'. The ending '-heit' forms abstract nouns that describe a state or quality. 'Gottheit' (deity/divinity) can therefore refer both to the being itself and to its quality, that is, being divine.
EXAMPLE
Die alten Ägypter verehrten eine Vielzahl von Gottheiten.
The ancient Egyptians worshipped a large number of deities.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'göttliches Wesen' (divine being), the word is often combined with verbs like 'anbeten' (to worship) or 'verehren' (to revere/worship). Combinations like 'antike' (ancient), 'griechische' (Greek), or 'weibliche' (female) Gottheit are also common.
EXAMPLE
In vielen Kulturen werden Naturgottheiten verehrt.
In many cultures, nature deities are worshipped.
Context clue
When 'Gottheit' (divinity) means the quality of being divine, it is used as an uncountable, abstract noun and usually appears in the singular. If it means a being, it is countable and can appear in the plural, as in 'die Gottheiten' (the deities).
EXAMPLE
Die Theologen diskutierten über die Gottheit Christi.
The theologians discussed the divinity of Christ.
Register
The abstract meaning 'das Göttliche an sich' (the divine itself) is mainly used in theological, philosophical, or very spiritual texts.
EXAMPLE
Manche philosophischen Lehren suchen die Gottheit im Menschen selbst.
Some philosophical teachings seek divinity in human beings themselves.
Compare with
Gottheit vs Gott
god
'der Gott' and 'die Gottheit' can both mean a divine being that is worshipped in a religion. 'Gott' is more specific: it can be the supreme being in a monotheistic religion or a male divine being in a mythology. 'Gottheit' is more general and more neutral. A Gottheit can be a Gott or a Göttin. Learners may confuse the words because both sound religious. A practical tip: if gender or a specific name is important, 'Gott' often fits. If you are speaking generally about divine beings, 'Gottheit' sounds more precise.
Gottheit
In diesem Tempel wurde früher eine unbekannte Gottheit verehrt.
An unknown deity used to be worshipped in this temple.
Gott
Der Gott Apollo spielt in vielen griechischen Sagen eine Rolle.
The god Apollo plays a role in many Greek legends.
In real life
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