Gott segne dich
The German phrase for "God bless" is Gott segne dich.
This phrase is used to express a wish for divine favor or protection upon someone.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun Gott (God) and the subjunctive mood of the verb segnen (to bless), which expresses a wish or prayer.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Phrases like Gott segne Österreich (God bless Austria) and Gott segne Bayern (God bless Bavaria) are used in Austria and parts of southern Germany.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form Gott segne dich uses the singular dich to address one person. To say "God bless you" to a group of people, change dich to euch to form Gott segne euch.
Did you know?
- In many regions of Germany, the phrase Gesundheit is used when someone sneezes rather than a religious blessing like Gott segne dich.
- Although Gott segne dich is understood, Germans are more likely to use behüte dich Gott, which asks God to 'keep' or 'guard' the person.
- In historical German literature, blessings were often framed as Gott mit dir, meaning 'God be with you', which served as both a blessing and a farewell.
Examples in context
- Gott segne dich und deine Familie!God bless you and your family.This sentence is useful for seeing how to include a family in the blessing with Gott segne dich.Tatoeba #12408061 by Waldelfe, translation #8889480 by shekitten
- „Gott segne dich!“ rief er. „Du hast meine Ehre gerettet.“"God bless you!" he cried. "You have saved my honour."This sentence shows the phrase being used as an exclamation of gratitude.Tatoeba #9082725 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7414242 by Hybrid
- Gott segne dich!God bless you!This is a simple way to use the phrase as a standalone blessing.Tatoeba #361132 by Kerstin, translation #269618 by CM
- Ich wünsche Ihnen alles Gute. Möge Gott Sie segnenI wish you all the best. May God bless you
- Ich hoffe, du hast einen wundervollen Tag. Gott segne dichI hope you have a wonderful day. God bless you
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are saying goodbye after a church service.
- LukasGott segne dich auf deiner Reise, Laura.God bless you on your journey, Laura.
- LauraDanke, Lukas. Das ist sehr lieb von dir.Thank you, Lukas. That is very kind of you.
- LukasGott segne dich auch!God bless you too!
- LauraPass gut auf dich auf.Take good care of yourself.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
