Communion / supper
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Communion
A central Christian ceremony in which bread and wine are shared as symbols of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. It commemorates Jesus's last meal with his disciples.
In der Osternacht feiert die Gemeinde traditionell das Abendmahl.
On Easter night, the congregation traditionally celebrates Communion.
supper
An outdated or elevated term for the meal eaten in the evening; dinner.
Nach getaner Arbeit versammelte sich die Familie zum bescheidenen Abendmahl.
After the work was done, the family gathered for a modest supper.
The word is made up of 'Abend' (evening) and 'Mahl' (meal). The literal meaning 'evening meal' is outdated today, but it explains the origin of the word, which refers to Jesus's last meal in the evening.
Das Wort „Mahl“ findet man auch in „Mahlzeit“.
The word 'Mahl' (meal) is also found in 'Mahlzeit' (mealtime/meal).
In a religious context, 'Abendmahl' is often used with certain verbs. The most common are 'das Abendmahl feiern' (to celebrate Communion), 'zum Abendmahl gehen' (to go to Communion), and 'das Abendmahl empfangen' (to receive Communion).
Viele Gläubige gehen an Feiertagen zum Abendmahl.
Many believers go to Communion on holidays.
The meaning 'dinner' is very rare today and sounds poetic or historical. Almost always, the religious ceremony is meant, recognizable from the context of church, faith, or Christian holidays.
In alten Romanen versammelt sich die Gutsherrenfamilie zum Abendmahl.
In old novels, the nobleman's family gathers for supper.
dinner
Abendessen and Abendmahl can both refer to an evening meal in older or elevated usage. In everyday modern language, Abendessen is the normal and neutral word, while Abendmahl sounds outdated or elevated in this meaning. Abendessen is therefore a better fit in ordinary situations.
In dem alten Roman bereitet Maria für ihre Familie das Abendmahl vor.
In the old novel, Maria prepares supper for her family.
Nach der Arbeit bereitet Maria für ihre Familie das Abendessen vor.
After work, Maria prepares dinner for her family.
