Gott segne dich
The English phrase 'may God bless you' is translated into German as 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 word segne is the subjunctive form of segnen, which expresses a wish or a prayer rather than a statement of fact.
Which one should you use?
While Gott segne dich is a wish (subjunctive), Gott segnet dich means 'God blesses you' (indicative/statement of fact).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the phrase changes based on whom you are addressing. Use Gott segne dich for one person you know well or a child. When addressing a group of people you are on familiar terms with, use Gott segne euch. To say 'may God bless you' to a stranger or someone in a formal setting, use Gott segne Sie instead of Gott segne dich.
Did you know?
- While 'may God bless you' is often used as a response to a sneeze in English, a German speaker would more likely use 'Gesundheit' in that specific social context.
- The word segnen shares a deep root with the English word 'sign', as both originally referred to making a sacred mark or gesture.
- In modern secular German society, using Gott segne dich in a casual setting can be seen as surprisingly intense or overly religious compared to English usage.
Examples in context
- Möge Gott Sie segnen und Ihnen Gesundheit und Glück schenken.May God bless you and grant you health and happiness.
- Gott segne Sie und begleite Sie auf jedem Schritt Ihres Lebensweges.God bless you and accompany you on every step of your life's journey.
- Möge Gott dich segnen und dir immer Liebe und Freude schenken.May God bless you and always grant you love and joy.
- Gott segne dich und erfülle dein Leben mit Glück und Erfolg.God bless you and fill your life with happiness and success.
- Gott segne dich auf deiner Reise.May God bless you on your journey.
- Gott segne dich und deine Familie.May God bless you and your family.
- Geh in Frieden, Gott segne dich.Go in peace, may God bless you.
Example conversation
A woman says goodbye to her friend at a church.
- JuliaMach es gut, Felix.Take care, Felix.
- FelixDanke, Julia. Bis bald.Thanks, Julia. See you soon.
- JuliaGott segne dich.May God bless you.
- FelixAmen, danke.Amen, thank you.
