German Conversation · Level 17
88 words
German word
Seele
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈzeːlə/
Meaning
- feminine nounsoul
Example
Das Kind hat eine reine Seele.
The child has a pure soul.
More examples
Nach dem langen Tag ließ sie die Seele baumeln.
After the long day, she relaxed.
Core concept
A person's invisible center, pictured as the place where character and feeling live.
Common phrases
die Seele baumeln lassen
relax
an die Seele rühren
touch the soul
mit Herz und Seele
with heart and soul
Similar words
Herz: The warm emotional center expressed through affection and concern for others.
Charakter: The set of personal traits revealed in conduct and ways of thinking.
Psyche: The inner workings of the mind, including conscious and unconscious activity.
Gemüt: A person's habitual mood and emotional disposition.
Definition in German
Seele (f., meist Singular) das immaterielle Innere eines Menschen, das Bewusstsein, Gefühle und die persönliche Identität umfasst
Word origin
The German noun continues Old High German sēula and Middle High German sêle, with English soul as a related Germanic word.
Usage tips
- In phrases such as eine gute Seele, Seele refers to a kind or helpful person rather than to a literal religious soul.