archbishop
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archbishop
A high-ranking clerical dignitary in Christian churches who heads an archdiocese and ranks above other bishops in his church province.
Der Erzbischof von Canterbury ist das geistliche Oberhaupt der Kirche von England.
The Archbishop of Canterbury is the spiritual head of the Church of England.
The word consists of the prefix 'Erz-' and the noun 'Bischof' (bishop). The prefix 'Erz-' means 'chief' or 'principal' and indicates the highest rank in a hierarchy.
Ein Erzengel ist der ranghöchste Engel.
An archangel is the highest-ranking angel.
The term 'Erzbischof' (archbishop) is used exclusively in the religious context of Christianity. It refers to a high office in the church hierarchy.
Der Erzbischof hielt die Messe im vollen Dom.
The archbishop held mass in the packed cathedral.
The title is often used together with the location of the archdiocese, usually with the preposition 'von' (of/from).
Der Erzbischof von Köln äußerte sich zu den aktuellen Ereignissen.
The Archbishop of Cologne commented on current events.
bishop
'der Bischof' and 'der Erzbischof' both refer to high-ranking people in a Christian church. The difference lies in rank and area of responsibility. A bishop usually leads a bishopric or diocese. An archbishop leads an archdiocese and ranks above other bishops in his church province. The words can be confused because both have similar church duties. If the higher rank is important, 'Erzbischof' is more precise; otherwise, people generally say 'Bischof'.
Vor dem Termin begrüßt die Stadt den Erzbischof im Rathaus.
Before the appointment, the city welcomes the archbishop at city hall.
Der Bischof besucht am Sonntag die Gemeinde.
The bishop is visiting the congregation on Sunday.