deacon
der Diakon, die Diakonen
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deacon
A clerical office in various Christian churches that is below the office of priest or pastor. Deacons devote themselves mainly to charitable and pastoral duties in the congregation.
Der Diakon leitet den örtlichen Jugendtreff und kümmert sich um die Armen.
The deacon runs the local youth club and takes care of the poor.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Diakonen |
| genitive | des Diakonen |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Diakon | die Diakonen die Diakone |
| accusative | den Diakonen den Diakon | die Diakonen die Diakone |
| dative | dem Diakonen | den Diakonen |
| genitive | des Diakonen des Diakons | der Diakonen der Diakone |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word comes from the Greek 'diákonos', meaning 'servant' or 'helper'. This reflects the main task of a deacon, namely to serve the church community in social and pastoral areas.
Als Diakon fühlt er sich berufen, den Menschen zu helfen.
As a deacon, he feels called to help people.
The word 'Diakon' (deacon) is closely connected with the noun 'die Diakonie'. Diakonie is the social service of the Protestant churches in Germany and one of the largest welfare organizations.
Viele Krankenhäuser und Pflegeheime in Deutschland werden von der Diakonie betrieben.
Many hospitals and nursing homes in Germany are run by Diakonie.
In a church context, you often hear the phrase 'zum Diakon geweiht werden' (to be ordained as a deacon). In a professional context, people say 'als Diakon arbeiten' (to work as a deacon).
Nach seiner Ausbildung wurde er feierlich zum Diakon geweiht.
After his training, he was solemnly ordained as a deacon.
dean
Dekan and Diakon are both clerical officials in Christian churches, but their duties differ. The Dekan heads a deanery with several congregations, while the Diakon mainly performs charitable and pastoral duties. Choose Dekan for leadership and Diakon for this kind of congregational work.
Der Diakon besucht kranke Menschen und hilft ihnen im Alltag.
The deacon visits sick people and helps them with their daily lives.
Der Dekan des Bezirks leitet die gemeinsame Sitzung der Gemeinden.
The dean of the district is chairing the joint meeting of the congregations.
