providence
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providence
A higher power, often understood as divine, that is believed to guide the fate of the world and of human beings toward good.
Er war überzeugt, dass die Vorsehung ihn vor dem schweren Unfall bewahrt hatte.
He was convinced that providence had saved him from the serious accident.
The word is made up of 'vor-' (pre-/fore-) and '-sehung'. The part '-sehung' is derived from the verb 'sehen' (to see). 'Vorsehung' (providence) is therefore literally a kind of 'fore-seeing' or forward-looking planning by a higher power.
Manche glauben, dass nichts zufällig geschieht und alles Vorsehung ist.
Some people believe that nothing happens by chance and that everything is providence.
'Vorsehung' (providence) is a word with an elevated, often religious or philosophical character. It is used rather rarely in everyday language.
In alten Romanen spielt der Glaube an die Vorsehung oft eine große Rolle.
In old novels, belief in providence often plays a major role.
The word is often used in fixed expressions, for example 'an die Vorsehung glauben' (to believe in providence), or when commenting on a fortunate event: 'Das war die Vorsehung!' (That was providence!).
Dass er den Zug verpasst hat und so dem Unglück entging, war für ihn die reine Vorsehung.
That he missed the train and thus escaped the disaster was, for him, pure providence.
fate
'das Schicksal' and 'die Vorsehung' both have to do with the idea that a higher power guides life. 'Schicksal' is more general: it can mean something good or bad and does not have to be religious. 'Vorsehung' sounds more strongly religious or solemn and usually refers to a higher, often divine power that guides everything toward a good end. In everyday language, 'Schicksal' is much more natural. 'Vorsehung' fits better in religious, literary, or very serious contexts.
Er sah es als Vorsehung, dass die Familie rechtzeitig Hilfe bekam.
He saw it as providence that the family got help in time.
Daniel glaubte, dass ihr Treffen kein Zufall, sondern Schicksal war.
Daniel believed that their meeting was not coincidence, but fate.