heilig

§ Basic Usage: Adjective

As an adjective, heilig works just like many other German adjectives. It describes a noun. Remember that German adjectives change their endings depending on the noun's gender, number, and case. Don't worry, we'll keep it simple for now.

This means: This is a holy place. Here, heiliger describes Ort (masculine, singular, nominative).

The holy mass starts at ten. Heilige describes Messe (feminine, singular, nominative).

They visit holy sites. Heilige describes Stätten (plural, accusative).

§ Fixed Expressions with 'heilig'

Sometimes, heilig is part of common phrases. These are good to learn as a whole.

Ein heiliger Krieg

A holy war. This expression is quite literal.

Nobody wants a holy war.

Jemandem ist etwas heilig

Something is sacred to someone; someone holds something dear. This uses the dative case for the person.

My family is sacred to me. (Literally: My family is holy to me.)

The law is sacred to him. (He holds the law very dear.)

§ Related Nouns and Verbs

Sometimes knowing related words helps you understand heilig better.

• Die Heilige: The female saint.
• Der Heilige: The male saint.
• Das Heiligtum: The sanctuary/shrine. This is a place where something holy is kept or worshipped.
• Heiligen: To consecrate; to make holy. (Less common in everyday speech for A2).

They pray to the saints.

That is an old sanctuary.

§ Common Uses & Nuances

While heilig often refers to religious contexts, it can also be used in a more general sense to mean something is deeply important or inviolable.

Sunday is sacred to me (meaning: I really value my Sundays, don't disturb me then!).

He treats his books like sacred objects.

So, while heilig has a strong religious connotation, you'll hear it in everyday language for things people hold in very high regard. Pay attention to the context to understand the exact meaning.