01
der Abt
abbot
The head or leader of a community of monks in a monastery (an abbey).
example
Der Abt leitete das Morgengebet im Kloster.
The abbot led the morning prayer in the monastery.
der Abt
abbot
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
The word 'Abt' (abbot) is closely related to 'die Abtei' (abbey). An abbey is the monastery that is led by an abbot.
EXAMPLE
Der Abt lebt und arbeitet in der Abtei.
The abbot lives and works in the abbey.
Typical collocations
Common formulations are 'der Abt eines Klosters' (the abbot of a monastery) or that someone 'zum Abt gewählt wird' (is elected abbot).
EXAMPLE
Bruder Thomas wurde zum neuen Abt des Klosters gewählt.
Brother Thomas was elected as the new abbot of the monastery.
Usage context
This word is used almost exclusively in a religious or historical context when referring to Christian monastic orders.
EXAMPLE
In dem historischen Roman unterhält sich der Ritter mit dem Abt.
In the historical novel, the knight talks with the abbot.
Compare with
Abt vs General
general
'der General' and 'der Abt' can both be religious leaders, but they belong to different levels. Here, 'der General' means the highest leader of certain Catholic religious orders. 'der Abt' leads a community of monks in a monastery or abbey. The words can be confusing because both can have to do with monasteries or religious orders. In practical terms: the abbot is at the head of a monastery, while the superior general is at the head of an entire order or a larger religious community.
Abt
Im Kloster begrüßte der Abt die Gäste persönlich.
At the monastery, the abbot personally welcomed the guests.
General
Der General des Ordens besucht nächste Woche mehrere Klöster.
The superior general of the order is visiting several monasteries next week.
In real life
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