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.
diocese
Bistum and Diözese both refer to a bishop’s ecclesiastical administrative district. Bistum is the usual term, especially in Catholic contexts, while Diözese is used across denominations and also fits Anglican and Orthodox churches. So choose “Bistum” in everyday Catholic contexts; otherwise, Diözese is often the better choice.
Das katholische Bistum organisiert jedes Jahr eine Spendenaktion.
The Catholic diocese organizes a fundraising campaign every year.
Die orthodoxe Diözese organisiert jedes Jahr eine Spendenaktion.
The Orthodox diocese organizes a fundraising campaign every year.
