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.
blessing
Something perceived as a great piece of good fortune, as very beneficial, or as relief from a burden.
Der Regen nach der langen Dürre war ein Segen für die Landwirtschaft.
The rain after the long drought was a blessing for agriculture.
to give one's blessing
To grant formal or informal approval or permission for a plan or decision.
Bevor wir starten können, muss die Chefin dem Projekt noch ihren Segen geben.
Before we can start, the boss still has to give the project her 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.
prayer
Segen and Gebet can both consist of religious words. A Gebet is addressed to God with thanks, a request, or worship. A Segen, by contrast, ritually grants a person God's protection or favor.
Der Priester gab den Reisenden den Segen für ihre Fahrt.
The priest gave the travelers his blessing for their journey.
Der Priester sprach ein Gebet und bat Gott um Schutz für die Reisenden.
The priest said a prayer and asked God to protect the travelers.
