der Geist
Translation
spirit, mind, ghost, intellect
Examples
Der menschliche Geist ist komplex.
The human mind is complex.
Manche Leute glauben an Geister.
Some people believe in ghosts.
Er hat einen scharfen Geist.
He has a sharp intellect.
Grammar Patterns
the spirit of ((sth.gen)) der Geist der Weihnacht
in spirit/mind im Geiste Im Geiste war ich bei dir.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Seele (soul), Verstand (intellect), Gespenst (ghost)
Etymology
From Old High German 'geist', related to the English 'ghost'. The core idea is 'breath' or 'soul'.
Memory Tips
Think of the 'Holy Ghost' (Heiliger Geist) for the spiritual meaning, and a 'poltergeist' for the ghost meaning.