christlich
Christian
Relating to Christianity, its teachings, its culture, or its followers.
EXAMPLE
Ostern ist einer der wichtigsten christlichen Feiertage.
Easter is one of the most important Christian holidays.
christlich
Christian
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Meanings
christlich
Christian
In accordance with the values and norms of Christianity, such as charity, forgiveness, or mercy.
EXAMPLE
Es war eine zutiefst christliche Tat, den Flüchtlingen zu helfen.
It was a deeply Christian act to help the refugees.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'christlich' (Christian) is derived from the noun 'der Christ' (a Christian person) and 'das Christentum' (Christianity). All words in the family refer to the same origin.
EXAMPLE
Die christliche Lehre basiert auf der Bibel.
Christian teaching is based on the Bible.
Word formation with '-lich'
The ending '-lich' is a typical German ending used to form adjectives from nouns. It often means 'in the manner of' or 'related to'.
EXAMPLE
Das Suffix '-lich' bildet auch Adjektive wie 'freundlich' oder 'täglich'.
The suffix '-lich' also forms adjectives like 'freundlich' (friendly) or 'täglich' (daily).
Typical collocations
In its descriptive meaning, 'christlich' (Christian) is often connected with culture and society: 'christliche Werte' (Christian values), 'christliche Kirchen' (Christian churches), or 'christliche Traditionen' (Christian traditions).
EXAMPLE
In Deutschland gibt es viele christliche Feiertage wie Weihnachten und Ostern.
In Germany, there are many Christian holidays, such as Christmas and Easter.
Moral meaning
When 'christlich' (Christian) describes behavior or a quality, it has a moral meaning. It then means that something corresponds to the positive values of Christianity, such as charity.
EXAMPLE
Sein Handeln war von christlicher Nächstenliebe geprägt.
His actions were shaped by Christian charity.
Compare with
christlich vs kirchlich
ecclesiastical / church
Christlich and kirchlich can both express a religious background. Christlich generally refers to Christianity, even without a connection to a particular church. Kirchlich, by contrast, emphasizes that a group or institution belongs to the church as an institution or is supported by it.
christlich
Die christliche Jugendgruppe orientiert sich am Glauben, gehört aber zu keiner Kirche.
The Christian youth group is guided by faith but does not belong to any church.
kirchlich
Die kirchliche Jugendgruppe wird offiziell von der örtlichen Kirchengemeinde getragen.
The church youth group is officially supported by the local parish.
In real life
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