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Heiligenschein

halo (in religious art)

noun HAY-li-gen-shayn Rare
People & Society Religion

Also means

nimbus

Usage Note

Heiligenschein literally means 'shine of a saint' and denotes the luminous circle around the head of a holy figure in art. In everyday speech it is used ironically to describe someone who presents themselves as morally flawless.

Examples

"Der Maler stellte die Heilige mit einem goldenen Heiligenschein dar."

Natural Translation

The painter depicted the saint with a golden halo.

Literal Translation

The painter portrayed the saint with a golden halo.

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