B1 Formal Wish
„Gott gebe, daß..."
God grant that...
What does „Gott gebe, daß..." mean in German?
„Gott gebe, daß..." means "God grant that...." Literally: "God give, that...."
Literal Translation
"God give, that..."
Gott God
gebe give
daß that
English Equivalent
"God willing."
This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.
Grammar Notes
Subjunctive I 'gebe' (wish)
Modern Form
Modern spelling: „Gott gebe, dass..."
When is this idiom used?
Formal
This expression is used in formal or literary German, often found in written texts and speeches.
Related Words
Quick Quiz — Test Yourself
Test your knowledge of Gott gebe, daß...
Related Idioms
„Ab (= geht ab, gehen ab)."
Exit (exeunt).
„Vom 1. Januar ab wird die Miete erhöht."
From the 1st of January the rent will be raised.
„Er ist abgeblitzt."
He was rebuffed.
„Er brach kurz ab."
He stopped short.
„Sie sitzen noch auf der ABC-Bank."
They are still beginners.
„Es drückt mir das Herz ab."
It breaks my heart.
