kingdom of heaven / paradise
das Himmelreich
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kingdom of heaven
In many religions, especially Christianity, the place or state of eternal life with God after death; paradise.
Der Priester sprach in seiner Predigt über den Weg ins Himmelreich.
In his sermon, the priest spoke about the path to the kingdom of heaven.
paradise
In a figurative sense, a place or state of perfect happiness, peace, and the highest satisfaction.
Für die Kinder war der riesige Spielplatz ein wahres Himmelreich.
For the children, the huge playground was a true paradise.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Himmelreichs |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Himmelreich | – |
| accusative | das Himmelreich | – |
| dative | dem Himmelreich | – |
| genitive | des Himmelreichs des Himmelreiches | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word is made up of 'Himmel' (heaven/sky) and 'Reich' (realm/kingdom). So it literally means the 'Reich des Himmels' (kingdom of heaven) and is easy to understand if you know the two parts.
Viele Menschen hoffen, nach dem Tod ins Himmelreich zu kommen.
Many people hope to enter the kingdom of heaven after death.
In the figurative meaning, 'Himmelreich' (paradise) is often combined with 'ein wahres' (a true) or 'ein kleines' (a little). It can also be used with 'für' (for) to say for whom something is perfect.
Mit einem guten Buch und einer Tasse Tee ist mein Wohnzimmer ein kleines Himmelreich.
With a good book and a cup of tea, my living room is a little paradise.
Diese Bibliothek ist ein wahres Himmelreich für Leseratten.
This library is a true paradise for bookworms.
The meaning is usually clear from the context. If people are talking about religion, faith, or life after death, the literal meaning is meant. If it is about enjoyment, happiness, or a perfect place in the here and now, the figurative meaning is meant.
In der Bibel wird das Himmelreich oft in Gleichnissen beschrieben.
In the Bible, the kingdom of heaven is often described in parables.
Der Garten voller blühender Blumen war für sie ein Himmelreich auf Erden.
The garden full of blooming flowers was a heaven on earth for her.
paradise
Das Paradies and das Himmelreich can both refer to the religiously imagined place or state after death. Das Himmelreich sounds more distinctly Christian and biblical, while das Paradies also works as a general religious expression outside a sermon.
In der Predigt sagt der Pfarrer, dass Leas Großmutter nun im Himmelreich sei.
In the sermon, the pastor says that Lea’s grandmother is now in the kingdom of heaven.
Im Gespräch sagt Lea, dass ihre Großmutter nun im Paradies sei.
In the conversation, Lea says that her grandmother is now in paradise.
