Gottheit

Gottheit is a German noun meaning deity, divinity, or the divine. It can refer to a specific divine being (a deity) or to the quality or essence of being divine in general. The term derives from Gott (God) with the abstract-suffix -heit and has parallels with the English words deity or godhead.

In theology and philosophy, Gottheit is used to discuss the nature and attribution of the divine. It distinguishes the abstract concept of the divine from the personal name of God; in monotheistic traditions it can denote the singular divine essence, while in polytheistic contexts it may refer to one among several divine beings. The related term Deität is often used in scholarly writing and can carry a similar meaning, though Gottheit is common in both everyday language and religious discourse.

In practical use, one might speak of "eine Gottheit verehren" or refer to "Gottheiten der ägyptischen Religion." The word is neutral and widely used in German-language theology and religious studies. It should not be confused with the proper name of a god within a tradition; rather, it signals the concept of divinity or a divine entity in a general sense.