der  Segen

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈzeːɡn/

⛪ What does "der Segen" mean?

Der Segen is a masculine noun with several related meanings:

• Religious Context: Its primary meaning is the divine grace, favour, or protection bestowed upon someone or something. This often happens through a religious act or prayer (e.g., der priesterliche Segen - the priestly blessing, der Reisesegen - a blessing for a journey).
  Example: Der Priester gab dem Brautpaar seinen Segen. (The priest gave the newlyweds his blessing.)
• General Context: In a broader sense, "Segen" also refers to a great advantage, a boon, or something highly desirable that is perceived as a stroke of luck or good fortune.
  Example: Der Regen war ein Segen für die trockene Ernte. (The rain was a blessing/boon for the dry harvest.)
• Approval/Permission: Colloquially, "jemandem seinen Segen geben" (to give someone one's blessing) can also mean giving someone your approval or permission for a plan (often from parents or figures of authority).
  Example: Sie hat endlich den Segen ihrer Eltern für die Reise bekommen. (She finally got her parents' blessing for the trip.)

⚠️ Note: Although often used in the singular, a plural form "die Segen" exists, but it's less common and usually refers to multiple blessings or well-wishes.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "der Segen" in Detail

"Segen" is a masculine noun. The article is der.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

The plural "die Segen" is used less frequently.

✨ Example Sentences

1. Der Pfarrer sprach den Segen über die Gemeinde. (The pastor spoke the blessing over the congregation.)
2. Dieses gute Wetter ist ein echter Segen für unser Fest. (This good weather is a real blessing for our party.)
3. Wir danken Gott für seinen Segen. (We thank God for His blessing.)
4. Mit dem Segen ihrer Familie wanderte sie aus. (With her family's blessing, she emigrated.)
5. Die Wirkung des Segens war spürbar. (The effect of the blessing was noticeable.)

💡 How to use "der Segen"?

"Der Segen" is used in various contexts:

• Religious Ceremonies: Frequently in churches, at baptisms, weddings, or funerals (e.g., den Segen spenden - to give a blessing, um Segen bitten - to ask for a blessing).
• Expressing Gratitude and Happiness: When something unexpected or very positive happens (e.g., Das ist ja ein Segen! - That's such a blessing!, Ein Segen des Himmels - A blessing from heaven).
• Wishes: You can wish someone a blessing (e.g., Gottes Segen auf all deinen Wegen! - God's blessing on all your paths!).
• Colloquial Approval: When granting permission (e.g., Du hast meinen Segen. - You have my blessing/approval.).

Distinction from "Glück": While *das Glück* (luck) describes chance or general well-being, "Segen" often implies a higher power, deeper gratitude, or a welcome, almost unexpected advantage.

Fixed Expressions:

• Etwas ist ein Segen für jemanden/etwas: Something is very beneficial for someone/something.
• Seinen Segen zu etwas geben: To give one's approval or consent to something.
• Unter Gottes Segen stehen: To enjoy divine protection.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Segen"

Article Mnemonic: Think of a male priest - *DER* Priest - giving *DER* *SEGEN*. The male image helps remember the masculine article *der*.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine saying "It's a *blessing* this *SEa* (*Se*-) is so *GEN*tle (*-gen*)". This connects the sound to the English meaning *blessing* and the feeling of something good.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

🚨 Potential Confusion: Don't confuse *der Segen* with the verb *sägen* (to saw) or the noun *die Sehne* (tendon).

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der eine Computer den anderen: "Glaubst du an einen höheren Programmierer?" Sagt der andere: "Nun ja, irgendjemand muss ja den Segen für dieses Update gegeben haben!"

English Translation: One computer asks the other: "Do you believe in a higher programmer?" The other replies: "Well, someone must have given the blessing for this update!"

✍️ Poem about Blessing (Segen)

German:
Ein Wort so warm, ein stilles Licht,
Der Segen, der durch Wolken bricht.
Mal laut, mal leis', von Herz zu Hand,
Ein gutes Band im ganzen Land.

English Translation:
A word so warm, a silent light,
The blessing, breaking through the night.
Sometimes loud, sometimes low, from heart to hand,
A virtuous bond throughout the land.

❓ Riddle

German:
Ich komme von oben, bringe Glück und Heil,
Werde gesprochen, manchmal schnell, manchmal mit Weil'.
Bin Schutz auf Reisen, Trost in schwerer Not,
Ein Wunsch des Guten, rette oft vorm Tod.
Man bittet um mich, in Kirche oder Haus,
Mal bin ich Wohltat, mal Applaus.

Was bin ich?

English Translation:
I come from above, bring luck and salvation,
I am spoken, sometimes quickly, sometimes with duration.
I'm protection on journeys, comfort in dire need,
A wish for good, often save from death indeed.
People ask for me, in church or home's embrace,
Sometimes I'm a boon, sometimes applause.

What am I? Solution: Der Segen (The Blessing)

💡 More Interesting Facts

Etymology: The word "Segen" originates from the Latin word signum (sign, mark), via the Old High German segan. It originally referred to the sign of the cross, considered a protective symbol.

Word Formations (Komposita): There are many compound words with "Segen", e.g.:

• der Segenswunsch: A wish for blessing.
• segensreich: Beneficial, fruitful, richly blessed.
• der Haussegen: Domestic harmony/peace (proverbially "hängt schief" - hangs crooked - when there's discord).
• der Geldsegen: Windfall (of money).
• der Kindersegen: Having many children (often seen as a blessing).