savior
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Savior
A term used especially in Christianity for Jesus Christ, emphasizing his role as the redeemer and savior of humanity.
In vielen Kirchenliedern wird Jesus als der Heiland besungen.
In many church hymns, Jesus is sung about as the Savior.
savior
In a figurative or old-fashioned sense, a person who is seen as a rescuer or redeemer from a great emergency.
Nach der langen Dürre wurde der ersehnte Regen wie ein Heiland begrüßt.
After the long drought, the long-awaited rain was welcomed like a savior.
'Heiland' (savior) is closely related to the adjective 'heil' (healthy, unharmed) and the verb 'heilen' (to heal). So a 'Heiland' is literally someone who makes things 'heil' (whole) or heals.
Nach der Krankheit wünschte er sich, wieder ganz heil zu sein.
After the illness, he wished to be completely well again.
The word 'Heiland' (savior) is very formal and belongs mainly in a religious or elevated literary context. It is almost never used in everyday speech.
Der Pfarrer sprach in seiner Predigt vom Heiland.
The pastor spoke of the Savior in his sermon.
When 'Heiland' (savior) is used for an ordinary person or thing, it is always meant figuratively. It often has a slightly ironic or strongly exaggerated undertone.
Der IT-Experte, der das Problem löste, wurde wie ein Heiland gefeiert.
The IT expert who solved the problem was celebrated like a savior.
rescuer / savior
In Christianity, both Retter and Heiland can be used as titles for Jesus Christ. Retter is also a neutral term outside religious contexts, whereas Heiland sounds clearly religious and somewhat traditional or archaic. Use Retter in general contexts and Heiland in religious or deliberately old-fashioned language.
Im Kirchenlied wird Jesus als Heiland der Menschheit besungen.
The hymn praises Jesus as the Savior of humanity.
Im christlichen Glauben gilt Jesus als Retter der Menschheit.
In Christian belief, Jesus is regarded as the savior of humanity.
