diocese
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diocese
The official and administrative district of a bishop in the Catholic or Anglican Church; a diocese.
Das Bistum Münster ist eines der größten Bistümer in Deutschland.
The Diocese of Münster is one of the largest dioceses in Germany.
The word is made up of 'Bis-' (from 'Bischof' (bishop)) and the suffix '-tum'. The suffix '-tum' often denotes a domain, territory, or state, as in 'Königtum' (kingship/kingdom) or 'Fürstentum' (principality).
Das Bistum ist der offizielle Amtsbereich eines Bischofs.
The diocese is the official area of authority of a bishop.
'Bistum' (diocese) belongs to the word family of 'der Bischof' (the bishop). If you know the word 'Bischof' (bishop), you can easily derive the meaning of 'Bistum' as the bishop's official district.
Der neue Bischof wird bald sein Bistum übernehmen.
The new bishop will soon take over his diocese.
This word is used almost exclusively in a religious context, especially in church contexts. Outside conversations about the church or history, you will rarely hear it.
Die Pfarrei gehört zum Bistum Aachen.
The parish belongs to the Diocese of Aachen.
parish
'die Pfarrei' and 'das Bistum' both belong to church organization, especially in the Catholic Church. 'Pfarrei' means a smaller congregation or area for which a parish priest is responsible. 'Bistum' is much larger and is led by a bishop. A diocese usually consists of many parishes. The words can be confused because both refer to church districts. A practical way to remember it: the parish is local, for example in a neighborhood or town; the diocese is the larger administrative level above it.
Das Bistum plant neue Regeln für alle Pfarreien in der Region.
The diocese is planning new rules for all parishes in the region.
Am Sonntag organisiert die Pfarrei ein Fest vor der Kirche.
On Sunday, the parish is organizing a festival in front of the church.