himmlisch
heavenly
Used figuratively to express that something is exceptionally good, beautiful, or pleasant; wonderful, delicious.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Kuchen schmeckt einfach himmlisch!
This cake tastes simply heavenly!
himmlisch
heavenly
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Meanings
himmlisch
heavenly
Related to heaven as a religious or spiritual place; divine or coming from paradise.
EXAMPLE
Die Engel werden oft als himmlische Boten beschrieben.
Angels are often described as heavenly messengers.
himmlisch
celestial
Related to the sky or heavens in the astronomical sense; concerning celestial bodies or outer space.
EXAMPLE
Die Astronomie beschäftigt sich mit der Beobachtung himmlischer Phänomene.
Astronomy deals with the observation of celestial phenomena.
Usage tips
Word formation
The adjective 'himmlisch' (heavenly/celestial) derives directly from the noun 'der Himmel' (sky/heaven). Depending on the context, 'Himmel' can mean the sky as outer space, heaven as a religious paradise, or, figuratively, something wonderful, which explains the three meanings of 'himmlisch'.
EXAMPLE
Die Vorstellung vom Leben nach dem Tod ist für viele eine himmlische Hoffnung.
For many people, the idea of life after death is a heavenly hope.
Context clues
You can recognize the meaning of 'himmlisch' (heavenly/celestial) from the context. If it is about enjoyment, food, or feelings, it means 'wunderbar' (wonderful). In a religious context, it means 'göttlich' (divine). In science, especially astronomy, it means 'den Weltraum betreffend' (concerning outer space).
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Wanderung war die Stille auf dem Gipfel einfach himmlisch.
After the long hike, the silence on the summit was simply heavenly.
Typical collocations
In everyday language, 'himmlisch' (heavenly) is often used to describe positive sensory impressions. Typical combinations are 'himmlische Ruhe' (heavenly peace and quiet), 'ein himmlischer Duft' (a heavenly scent), or 'ein himmlischer Genuss' (a heavenly pleasure).
EXAMPLE
Der Duft von frisch gebackenem Brot ist himmlisch.
The smell of freshly baked bread is heavenly.
Register
The astronomical meaning of 'himmlisch' (celestial) is used mainly in technical language and scientific texts.
EXAMPLE
Der Vortrag handelte von der Mechanik himmlischer Körper.
The lecture was about the mechanics of celestial bodies.
Compare with
himmlisch vs göttlich
divine
Both göttlich and himmlisch can express great praise or have a religious connection. Göttlich refers more directly to a god, while himmlisch can also refer to heaven or paradise and is especially often used figuratively to mean “exceptionally good.” Himmlisch is usually the better choice for food, while göttlich fits a direct reference to a god.
himmlisch
Die Gläubigen nennen die Speise himmlisch, weil sie wie aus dem Paradies schmeckt.
The believers call the dish heavenly because it tastes like it came from paradise.
göttlich
Die Gläubigen nennen die Speise göttlich, weil sie der Göttin zugeschrieben wird.
The believers call the dish divine because it is attributed to the goddess.
In real life
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