blessing
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blessing
A ritual act or spoken words in a religious context intended to convey protection, salvation, or God's favor.
Am Ende des Gottesdienstes spendete der Pfarrer den Segen.
At the end of the service, the pastor gave the blessing.
'Der Segen' (blessing) is the noun corresponding to the verb 'segnen' (to bless). When a priest blesses someone, he gives the blessing.
Der Priester sprach am Ende der Messe einen Segen für die Gemeinde.
At the end of the mass, the priest said a blessing for the congregation.
The expression 'jemandem seinen Segen geben' (to give someone one's blessing) means to give someone permission or approval. The possessive pronoun ('seinen', 'ihren', 'meinen') adapts to the person giving the approval.
Meine Eltern haben unserem Plan ihren Segen gegeben.
My parents gave our plan their blessing.
In a figurative sense, 'ein Segen' (a blessing) describes something very positive or helpful. The structure is often 'Etwas ist ein Segen für jemanden/etwas' (something is a blessing for someone/something).
Die neue Umgehungsstraße ist ein Segen für die Anwohner.
The new bypass road is a blessing for the residents.
In the religious meaning, 'Segen' (blessing) is often used with the verbs 'spenden' (to give/bestow), 'geben' (to give), or 'empfangen' (to receive). 'Spenden' is a typical verb for priests or other religious authorities.
Die Pilger kamen, um den Segen des Papstes zu empfangen.
The pilgrims came to receive the Pope's blessing.
happiness / luck
'das Glück' and 'der Segen' can both mean something very positive. 'Glück' is more general: it can be a feeling of great happiness or a lucky coincidence. 'Segen' is used figuratively when something is felt to be especially helpful, saving, or beneficial. It often sounds stronger than ordinary luck or happiness because it makes a burden easier to bear or clearly improves a situation. For example, you can say that a form of help is 'ein Segen' (a blessing). 'Glück' fits many pleasant or chance moments, while 'Segen' is more for something that truly does good and makes life easier.
Die neue Waschmaschine ist für die große Familie ein echter Segen.
The new washing machine is a real blessing for the large family.
Mit etwas Glück bekommen wir noch zwei Plätze im Zug.
With a bit of luck, we can still get two seats on the train.