Schicksal
/ˈʃɪk.zaːl/
The English phrase destiny is translated into German as Schicksal.
Schicksal refers to a predetermined condition, fate or the fixed order of things.
Meaning: predetermined condition, fate, fixed order of things (noun)
Which one should you use?
Schicksal often implies a force that one cannot control, like fate. In contrast, the term Bestimmung is used when referring to a destiny that implies a specific purpose or a divine calling.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Schicksal is Schicksale. In the genitive singular case, the word takes the ending -s, becoming Schicksals (meaning 'of destiny' or 'destiny's').
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of Schicksal is /ˈʃɪk.zaːl/. The stress is on the first of the two syllables.
Did you know?
- The word Schicksal is closely related to the modern German verb schicken, which means 'to send'. This implies that destiny is something that has been sent to a person by a higher power.
- In German mythology and literature, the concept of Schicksal is often personified as the Nornen, three goddesses who spin the threads of human life.
- In German, the word Schicksalsschlag literally means 'stroke of fate' and is used to describe a sudden, devastating life event.
Examples in context
- Tom ist mein Schicksal.Tom is my destiny.This sentence shows how to use Schicksal to describe a person as one's destiny.Tatoeba #5699009 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2273301 by CK
- Uns blüht dasselbe Schicksal.We have the same destiny.This sentence is useful for describing sharing the same Schicksal.Tatoeba #5051702 by brauchinet, translation #5051481 by CK
- Niemand entkommt seinem Schicksal.Nobody escapes their destiny.This sentence demonstrates the use of Schicksal in the context of escaping one's destiny.Tatoeba #11677525 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11677514 by tieguy
- Mein Schicksal liegt in meinen eigenen Händen.My destiny lies in my own hands.
- Ich glaube, dass jeder seine eigene Bestimmung hat.I believe that everyone has their own destiny.
- Die Vorsehung hat es so gewollt.It was the will of destiny/fate.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are discussing their unexpected meeting.
- HannahGlaubst du an das Schicksal, Felix?Do you believe in destiny, Felix?
- FelixJa, ich glaube, wir sollten uns treffen.Yes, I believe we were meant to meet.
- HannahEs fühlt sich wie ein großes Schicksal an.It feels like a great destiny.
- FelixIch stimme dir voll und ganz zu, Hannah.I completely agree with you, Hannah.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Schicksal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
