German word

Engel

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈɛŋəl/

Meaning

  • masculine nounangel

Example

Du bist ein Engel.

You're an angel.

Illustration for Engel (angel)

More examples

Nach dem Unfall glaubte sie an ihren Schutzengel.

After the accident, she believed in her guardian angel.

Core concept

A winged celestial helper, also used as warm praise for a kind or helpful person.

Common phrases

  • Schutzengel

    guardian angel

  • ein Engel sein

    be an angel

  • mein Engel

    my angel

Similar words

Schutzengel: A heavenly guardian believed to watch over someone and keep them safe.
Engelchen: An affectionate, diminutive way to speak of an angel or someone beloved.

Definition in German

Name für ein geistliches Wesen, das Schutz oder Beistand aus dem Himmel bietet; oft in Zusammensetzungen wie Schutzengel verwendet.

Word origin

The noun was borrowed into Germanic through Old High German engil from Latin angelus, which derives from Greek angelos, 'messenger'.

Usage tips

  • In Du bist ein Engel, Engel is affectionate praise rather than a literal claim about a heavenly being.

Opposites

Related words

  • Engelchenlittle angelnoun
  • Schutzengelguardian angelnoun
  • engelsgleichangel-likeadjective

Word lists with this word