kingdom of heaven / paradise
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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.
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.
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.
sky / heaven
'der Himmel' and 'das Himmelreich' are very close when it comes to religion or perfect happiness. Both can mean the place or state of being with God after death. However, 'das Himmelreich' sounds more strongly religious, solemn, and somewhat elevated. 'Der Himmel' is more general and much more common in everyday language, also as an image for great happiness. Figuratively, both can be used for a very happy state, but 'Himmelreich' often feels more poetic or religious.
Für den alten Mann war der ruhige Garten ein kleines Himmelreich.
For the old man, the quiet garden was a little paradise.
In der Kirche sprach der Pfarrer vom Himmel und von Hoffnung.
In church, the pastor spoke about heaven and hope.