der Bischof
bishop
A high-ranking clerical dignitary in Christian churches who usually leads a bishopric or diocese.
EXAMPLE
Der Bischof von Rom ist der Papst.
The Bishop of Rome is the Pope.
der Bischof
bishop
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Meanings
der Bischof
bishop
A piece in the game of chess that can only move diagonally. In Germany, this piece is usually called a 'Läufer' (bishop).
EXAMPLE
Jeder Spieler beginnt die Schachpartie mit zwei Bischöfen.
Each player begins the chess game with two bishops.
Usage tips
Word family
Other terms that are important in a church context are derived from the word 'Bischof' (bishop). The adjective is 'bischöflich' (episcopal), and the area led by a bishop is called 'das Bistum' (the bishopric/diocese).
EXAMPLE
Die bischöfliche Residenz befindet sich neben dem Dom.
The episcopal residence is located next to the cathedral.
Context clue
You can easily recognize from context whether the cleric or the chess piece is meant. Words like 'Kirche' (church), 'Glaube' (faith), or 'weihen' (to consecrate) point to the religious meaning, while 'Schachbrett' (chessboard), 'Partie' (game), or 'ziehen' (to move) refer to the chess piece.
EXAMPLE
Der Bischof weihte die neue Kirche ein.
The bishop consecrated the new church.
Typical collocations
In a religious context, a bishop is often associated with certain actions. Typical verbs are 'weihen' (to consecrate/ordain), 'ernennen' (to appoint), or 'predigen' (to preach).
EXAMPLE
Der Papst wird einen neuen Bischof für die Diözese ernennen.
The Pope will appoint a new bishop for the diocese.
Use in chess
In Germany, the chess piece is almost always called 'der Läufer' (bishop). The term 'Bischof' (bishop) for the piece is correct, but rare, and is often used only by players who play internationally or know the English terms.
EXAMPLE
Mein Läufer bedroht jetzt deine Dame.
My bishop is now threatening your queen.
Compare with
Bischof vs Läufer
runner / runner rug / bishop
In chess, Bischof and Läufer refer to the same piece that moves diagonally. Läufer is the usual term in standard German, while Bischof may be understood mainly because of other language conventions or in comparison with other languages. In German explanations of chess, Läufer is therefore usually the appropriate term.
Bischof
In dieser Schachanleitung wird die diagonal ziehende Figur aus Gründen des Sprachvergleichs als Bischof bezeichnet.
In this chess guide, the diagonally moving piece is referred to as Bischof for purposes of comparing languages.
Läufer
Der Läufer zieht von seinem weißen Feld aus diagonal über das Brett.
The bishop moves diagonally across the board from its white square.
In real life
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