Himmel
[ˈhɪml̩]masculine
The English word 'heaven' can be translated into German as Himmel or Paradies.
Meaning: paradise and upper-world (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Himmel | [ˈhɪml̩] (narrow) [ˈhɪməl] (narrow) |
masculine |
| Paradies | /paʁaˈdiːs/ | neuter |
Himmel is used to describe the celestial realm or the upper world. Paradies is used to describe a state of pure bliss or the Garden of Eden.
Which one should you use?
Himmel is the standard word for the 'sky', but it also means the celestial 'heaven'. In contrast, Paradies is more specific, referring to the concept of paradise or a blissful state of existence rather than the physical or spiritual upper world.
How does it change in a sentence?
When describing someone being in the state of heaven, you can use the phrase im Himmel.
Did you know?
- If you are in a state of extreme bliss, you might say you are im siebten Himmel, which translates to being in the 'seventh heaven'.
- The word Himmel is a cognate of the English word 'heaven', both descending from a common Proto-West Germanic root.
- In German, you can use Himmel as an exclamation of annoyance, much like saying 'heavens!' or 'good heavens!' in English.
Examples in context
- Maria war im Himmel.Mary was in heaven.This sentence is useful for describing someone's location in heaven using Himmel.Tatoeba #8758934 by manese, translation #6996986 by Hybrid
- Der Himmel sei gelobt!Heaven be praised!This sentence shows an expression of praise using Himmel.Tatoeba #7757538 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7752732 by Hybrid
- Weiß der Himmel, warum.Heaven knows why.This sentence demonstrates an idiomatic way to say 'heaven knows' using Himmel.Tatoeba #910932 by Sudajaengi, translation #276609 by CM
- In der Religion wird der Himmel als der Sitz Gottes betrachtet.In religion, heaven is considered the seat of God.
- 82 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are talking about their beliefs after a movie.
- LauraGlaubst du, dass es einen Himmel gibt?Do you believe there is a heaven?
- MaximilianJa, ich glaube, wir kommen alle in den Himmel.Yes, I believe we all go to heaven.
- LauraDas ist ein schöner Gedanke, Maximilian.That is a beautiful thought, Maximilian.
- MaximilianIch finde das sehr beruhigend.I find that very comforting.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “heaven” translations and entries Himmel, Paradies, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
