German word

heilig

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈhaɪ̯lɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectiveholy

Example

Das ist ein heiliger Ort.

This is a holy place.

Illustration for heilig (holy)

More examples

Für viele Kinder ist der heilige Abend voller Vorfreude.

For many children, the holy evening is full of anticipation.

Core concept

A person, place, or object set apart from ordinary use by sacred respect.

Common phrases

  • als heilig gelten

    be considered holy

  • für heilig erklären

    declare holy

Similar words

religiös: Connected directly with religious belief, worship, or practice.
göttlich: Seen as coming from a god or supernatural power.

Definition in German

Wird für Personen, Orte oder Dinge verwendet, die durch Religion oder Tradition besonders geehrt und nicht angetastet gelten.

Word origin

German heilig is an inherited Germanic word, continuing Old High German heilag and Proto-Germanic *hailaga-, based on a root meaning whole or sound.

Usage tips

  • As an attributive adjective, 'heilig' takes normal adjective endings: 'ein heiliger Ort' but 'der heilige Ort'.

Other meanings

  • saintlyadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word