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biblisch
biblical
Relating to the Bible, originating from the Bible, or in the style of the Bible.
example
Der Pfarrer zitierte eine biblische Geschichte über Vergebung.
The pastor quoted a biblical story about forgiveness.
biblisch
biblical
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The adjective 'biblisch' (biblical) is derived directly from the noun 'die Bibel' (the Bible). The ending '-isch' is often used to form adjectives that express belonging or origin.
EXAMPLE
Das Wort hat einen biblischen Ursprung.
The word has a biblical origin.
Context clue
The literal meaning refers to the content of the Bible (e.g., a story, a character). The figurative meaning always describes an enormous, extraordinary scale (e.g., a flood, an age).
EXAMPLE
Der Film erzählt eine bekannte biblische Geschichte neu.
The film retells a well-known biblical story.
Typical collocations
In its literal meaning, 'biblisch' (biblical) is often combined with nouns such as 'Geschichte' (story), 'Figur' (character), 'Zitat' (quote), 'Text' (text), or 'Motiv' (motif).
EXAMPLE
Im Kunstunterricht analysierten wir biblische Motive in Gemälden.
In art class, we analyzed biblical motifs in paintings.
Fixed expression
In the figurative meaning, the combination 'biblische Ausmaße' (biblical proportions) is very common. It is often used to emphasize the enormous size or extreme scale of an event.
EXAMPLE
Die Dürre in der Region hat biblische Ausmaße angenommen.
The drought in the region has taken on biblical proportions.
Compare with
biblisch vs evangelisch
Protestant / evangelical
'evangelisch' and 'biblisch' both belong to the religious sphere, so they can easily be confused. 'evangelisch' usually means the Protestant denomination or the Protestant church. In theological texts, it can also refer to the Gospels. 'biblisch', by contrast, means something that comes from the Bible or refers to the Bible. So a person or church is evangelisch, but a story, text, or name can be biblisch. In practice: when talking about a church or denomination, 'evangelisch' is usually the right choice; when talking about biblical texts or biblical figures, 'biblisch' fits.
biblisch
Im Unterricht lesen wir morgen eine biblische Geschichte über Mose.
In class, we will read a biblical story about Moses tomorrow.
evangelisch
Meine Familie ist evangelisch, deshalb feiern wir Weihnachten in der evangelischen Kirche.
My family is Protestant, so we celebrate Christmas in the Protestant church.
In real life
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