Ascension / suicide mission
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Ascension
In the Christian faith, the taking up of Jesus Christ into heaven. Ascension Day is a public holiday in Germany.
An Christi Himmelfahrt machen viele Familien einen Ausflug ins Grüne.
On Ascension Day, many families take a trip into the countryside.
suicide mission
Figuratively, an extremely risky or suicidal undertaking. Usually contained in the term 'Himmelfahrtskommando' (suicide mission).
Ohne Ausrüstung diesen Berg zu besteigen, ist eine reine Himmelfahrt.
Climbing this mountain without equipment is a complete suicide mission.
The word is composed of 'Himmel' (heaven/sky) and 'Fahrt' (journey/trip). So it literally describes a 'journey into heaven', which explains the religious meaning very well.
Die Himmelfahrt Christi ist ein zentrales Ereignis im Christentum.
The Ascension of Christ is a central event in Christianity.
'Christi Himmelfahrt' (Ascension Day) is a public holiday in Germany. In many regions, 'Vatertag' (Father's Day) is also celebrated on this day.
An Christi Himmelfahrt haben die meisten Geschäfte geschlossen.
On Ascension Day, most shops are closed.
The religious meaning is almost always used in the fixed expression 'Christi Himmelfahrt' (Ascension of Christ / Ascension Day). 'Christi' is an old genitive form of 'Christus' (Christ).
Der Feiertag heißt offiziell Christi Himmelfahrt.
The holiday is officially called Ascension Day.
The figurative meaning for a risky undertaking is used almost exclusively in the compound 'Himmelfahrtskommando' (suicide mission). This word describes a mission from which one is unlikely to return.
Die Soldaten wurden auf ein Himmelfahrtskommando geschickt.
The soldiers were sent on a suicide mission.
ascent / rise
Aufstieg is a general movement upward and can be used for people or objects. Himmelfahrt, by contrast, is the established Christian term for Jesus Christ being taken up into heaven. That is why Himmelfahrt is the appropriate word in this religious statement.
Die Himmelfahrt Jesu wird von Christen an einem besonderen Feiertag gefeiert.
Christians celebrate Jesus’ Ascension on a special holiday.
Der Aufstieg des Ballons in den Himmel war vom Dorf aus gut zu sehen.
The balloon’s ascent into the sky was clearly visible from the village.
