Blasphemie
/blasfeˈmiː/feminine
The English phrase blasphemy can be translated into German as Blasphemie or Gotteslästerung.
Meaning: irreverence toward something sacred (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Blasphemie | /blasfeˈmiː/ | feminine |
| Gotteslästerung | /ˈɡɔtəsˌlɛstəʁʊŋ/ | feminine |
Blasphemie refers to irreverence toward something sacred. Much like in English, it can be used figuratively in a secular context to describe an act that violates a widely held principle or a 'sacred' tradition.
What does it mean word for word?
The formal term Gotteslästerung is a compound of Gottes (God's) and Lästerung (mockery or profanation).
How do you pronounce it?
/blasfeˈmiː/
Did you know?
- The verb form lästern is used in everyday modern German to describe venting or bad-mouthing a coworker or friend.
- In German-speaking countries, expressing an opinion that might be called 'blasphemous' is often protected under the 'Kunstfreiheit' or 'freedom of art' clause in the constitution.
- In German law, the concept of Gotteslästerung is often legally grouped under Beschimpfung von Religionsgesellschaften, which is the insulting of religious societies.
Examples in context
- Lob ist wertvoller als Blasphemie.Praise is more valuable than blasphemy.This sentence shows a comparison between praise and Blasphemie.Tatoeba #4268731 by Esperantostern, translation #4284649 by seltsameseeds
- Blasphemie ist ein Verbrechen ohne Opfer.Blasphemy is a victimless crime.This sentence uses Blasphemie to describe a victimless crime.Tatoeba #11843570 by mhr, translation #3249475 by shekitten
- Ich? Dich zum Arbeiten ermutigen? Blasphemie!Me? Encourage you to work? Blasphemy!This sentence uses Blasphemie as a figurative exclamation.Tatoeba #1880954 by Zaghawa, translation #1400913 by liori
- Die Predigt des Pastors enthielt klare Anschuldigungen der Gotteslästerung.The sermon of the pastor contained clear accusations of blasphemy.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Lukas are discussing a controversial modern art installation.
- HannahFindest du das Kunstwerk auch problematisch?Do you also find the artwork problematic?
- LukasJa, für mich ist es reine Blasphemie.Yes, for me it is pure blasphemy.
- HannahDu bist als religiöser Mensch sehr streng.You are very strict as a religious person.
- LukasIch schütze nur das Heilige vor der Blasphemie.I am just protecting the sacred from blasphemy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “blasphemy” translations and entries Blasphemie, Gotteslästerung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
