der Segen, –

Definition & meaning

Segen means blessing. It has several related uses:

• A religious blessing: words or a gesture asking for divine protection or favor.
  Der Priester spendete den Segen. — “The priest gave the blessing.”
• A beneficial gift or influence: something that brings help, happiness, or relief.
  Der Regen war ein Segen für die Ernte. — “The rain was a blessing for the harvest.”
• An expression of approval or permission: especially in the phrase jemandem seinen Segen geben — to give someone one’s blessing or approval.

Grammar & Word origin

Segen is a masculine noun: der Segen. Its genitive form is des Segens. It is usually used in the singular; the plural die Segen is possible, especially when referring to distinct blessings.

The word is related to the verb segnen ↗ (“to bless”). Its older roots are associated with marking with a sign, reflecting the religious gesture of blessing.

Synonyms & antonyms

• Segnung ↗ — “blessing” or “benefit.” It often sounds more formal or emphasizes the act or result of blessing.
• Wohltat ↗ — “boon” or “beneficial act.” It emphasizes a concrete help or kindness rather than a religious blessing.
• Gunst ↗ — “favor.” It usually refers to approval or help granted by a person or authority.

Antonyms:

• Fluch ↗ — “curse,” the direct opposite of a religious or figurative blessing.
• Unheil ↗ — “misfortune” or “calamity,” an opposite when Segen means a source of good fortune.

Common phrases & collocations

• den Segen erteilen ↗ — to give a blessing.
• jemandem seinen Segen geben ↗ — to give someone one’s approval or blessing.
• ein wahrer Segen ↗ — a real blessing; something especially helpful or welcome.
• zum Segen werden ↗ — to turn out to be a blessing.