segnen
to bless
In the religious sense, to pronounce or ask for God's protection and grace for someone or something.
EXAMPLE
Der Priester segnete das Brautpaar nach der Trauung.
The priest blessed the bride and groom after the wedding ceremony.
segnen
to bless
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Meanings
gesegnet sein mit
to be blessed with
In a figurative sense, to be endowed to a high degree with a particular positive quality or talent.
EXAMPLE
Sie ist mit einer außergewöhnlichen musikalischen Begabung gesegnet.
She is blessed with exceptional musical talent.
das Zeitliche segnen
to pass away
A euphemistic, that is, softened, way of saying to die.
EXAMPLE
Nach einem langen und erfüllten Leben hat unsere Großmutter friedlich das Zeitliche gesegnet.
After a long and fulfilling life, our grandmother passed away peacefully.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'segnen' (to bless) belongs to the word family of 'der Segen' (the blessing). A blessing is the positive result of the act of blessing.
EXAMPLE
Der Priester sprach seinen Segen über die Gemeinde.
The priest gave his blessing to the congregation.
Sentence structure
In its religious meaning, 'segnen' (to bless) always needs an accusative object. You bless someone or something.
EXAMPLE
Vor der langen Reise segnete die Mutter ihre Kinder.
Before the long journey, the mother blessed her children.
Fixed construction
The figurative meaning is used in a fixed construction: 'mit etwas (Dativ) gesegnet sein' (to be blessed with something). The person is the subject of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Er ist mit einer Engelsgeduld gesegnet.
He is blessed with the patience of an angel.
Fixed expression
The expression 'das Zeitliche segnen' (to pass away) is a fixed phrase. 'Das Zeitliche' is a fixed accusative object here and cannot be changed.
EXAMPLE
Nach langer Krankheit hat er gestern das Zeitliche gesegnet.
After a long illness, he passed away yesterday.
Register
This expression is a euphemism, meaning a softened way of saying 'sterben' (to die). It is used to express death less directly and harshly.
EXAMPLE
Er hoffte, erst im hohen Alter das Zeitliche zu segnen.
He hoped to pass away only at a very old age.
Compare with
segnen vs weihen
to consecrate / dedicate
Weihen and segnen are religious acts performed for people or things. Weihen means permanently dedicating something to a holy purpose, while segnen means pronouncing or asking for God's protection and grace. When a chapel is opened, weihen is appropriate for its dedication, and segnen for asking for the chapel's protection.
segnen
Der Pfarrer segnete die neue Kapelle und ihre Besucher.
The priest blessed the new chapel and its visitors.
weihen
Der Bischof weihte die neue Kapelle dem heiligen Martin.
The bishop dedicated the new chapel to Saint Martin.
In real life
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