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die Bibel
Bible
The holy scripture of Christianity, comprising the Old and New Testaments.
example
Im Religionsunterricht lesen die Schüler eine Geschichte aus der Bibel.
In religion class, the students read a story from the Bible.
die Bibel
Bible
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Typical collocations
In a religious context, 'die Bibel' (the Bible) is often used with fixed phrases such as 'in der Bibel lesen' (to read in the Bible), 'etwas steht in der Bibel' (something is written in the Bible), or 'eine Stelle aus der Bibel zitieren' (to quote a passage from the Bible).
EXAMPLE
Der Priester zitierte eine bekannte Stelle aus der Bibel.
The priest quoted a well-known passage from the Bible.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning by the fact that it is often followed by a specification with 'für' (for). This names the field or target group for which the book is considered the standard work.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Kochbuch ist die Bibel für alle, die gerne backen.
This cookbook is the bible for everyone who likes baking.
Cultural context
The Bible is a central work of European culture. Quotations and allusions to it are often found in literature, in idioms, and even in everyday language, including among non-religious people.
EXAMPLE
Die Redewendung „Auge um Auge, Zahn um Zahn“ stammt ursprünglich aus der Bibel.
The expression 'an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth' originally comes from the Bible.
Compare with
Bibel vs Wort
word
'das Wort' and 'die Bibel' can be connected in a religious context. 'Die Bibel' is the concrete holy book of Christianity, with the Old and New Testaments. In this context, 'das Wort' more often means the divine message or revelation. The words can be confusing because people speak of the 'Wort Gottes' (Word of God), for example, and often think of the Bible. Still, 'Bibel' is the name of the book, while 'Wort' emphasizes the religious message.
Bibel
Auf dem Tisch liegt eine alte Bibel mit vielen Notizen.
There is an old Bible with many notes lying on the table.
Wort
Im Gottesdienst spricht die Pfarrerin über das Wort Gottes.
During the church service, the pastor talks about the Word of God.
In real life
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