Pronunciation: [hˈe͡ɪdən] (IPA) 
The word "heiden" comes from the German language, where it is spelled "Heiden". It is used to refer to a pagan or heathen person. The phonetic transcription of the word is /ˈhaɪdən/, with the "h" pronounced as in "hill", the "ei" pronounced as in "height", the "d" as in "do", and the "n" as in "noon". The spelling "ei" represents the same sound as the spelling "ay" in English, but it is more common in German.
Heiden is a German noun that is primarily used to refer to a heathen or a pagan person. Derived from the Old High German word "heido," which means heathen or pagan, the term can be traced back to the medieval period when Christianity began to gradually spread across Europe, replacing native pagan beliefs.
In its broader sense, heiden can also refer to those who do not adhere to any particular religious or spiritual belief, or those who reject the doctrines of established religions. This could include individuals who identify as atheists, agnostics, or simply those who choose not to affiliate with any faith.
The term can sometimes carry a negative connotation, particularly when used in a derogatory manner or expressing disapproval towards someone's religious beliefs or lack thereof. However, it is important to note that attitudes towards religious beliefs have evolved over time, and the term "heiden" may now be used more neutrally, describing someone's religious or spiritual affiliation without necessarily implying judgment.
While the word is primarily used in the German language, it can also be found in related forms across other Germanic languages, such as Dutch and Old English.
The word "heiden" originated from the Old English word "hǣþen" or "hǣðen", which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*haiþīną". This Germanic word meant "heathen" or "pagan". The term originally referred to someone who did not belong to a Christian or Jewish faith, particularly those who practiced Germanic paganism. Over time, the word "heiden" evolved and was adopted into various Germanic languages with similar meanings. Today, in English, "heathen" is commonly used to refer to someone who is not of a particular religious faith or who practices a non-mainstream religion.
