German ADJECTIVE B2 Rank 20128

evangelikal

evangelical

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Meanings

evangelikal

evangelical

Refers to a theological movement within Protestantism that strongly emphasizes personal conversion ('Wiedergeburt' — being born again), the literal inspiration of the Bible, and the necessity of missionary work (evangelization). The term should not be equated with 'evangelisch' (Protestant).

EXAMPLE

Die evangelikale Bewegung hat besonders in den USA viele Anhänger und großen gesellschaftlichen Einfluss.

The evangelical movement has many followers and significant social influence, especially in the United States.

Usage tips

Common mistake

A common mistake is to use 'evangelikal' for all Protestant Christians or churches. However, the word describes only a specific, often conservative movement within Protestantism, not the entire group.

EXAMPLE

Diese Gemeinde folgt einer streng evangelikalen Lehre.

This congregation follows a strictly evangelical doctrine.

Word family

The word 'evangelikal' is derived from 'das Evangelium' (the good news, the central message of Christianity). This emphasizes the movement's focus on the Bible and missionary work, that is, the spreading of the Gospel.

EXAMPLE

Für evangelikale Christen ist die persönliche Lektüre der Bibel sehr wichtig.

For evangelical Christians, personal reading of the Bible is very important.

Typical collocations

'Evangelikal' is often used with nouns such as 'Bewegung' (movement), 'Christen' (Christians), 'Gemeinde' (congregation), or 'Freikirche' (free church) to characterize these groups more precisely.

EXAMPLE

Die evangelikale Bewegung ist weltweit stark gewachsen.

The evangelical movement has grown strongly worldwide.

Compare with

evangelisch

confusable

evangelikal vs evangelisch

Protestant / evangelical

Both adjectives can describe a Protestant congregation. “Evangelisch” refers generally to the Protestant denomination, whereas “evangelikal” identifies a specific theological movement that strongly emphasizes personal conversion, the Bible, and missionary work. “Evangelisch” is appropriate for general denominational affiliation, while “evangelikal” is used for this particular orientation.

evangelikal

Die Familie besucht eine evangelikale Gemeinde, die persönliche Bekehrung stark betont.

The family attends an evangelical congregation that strongly emphasizes personal conversion.

evangelisch

Die Familie gehört einer evangelischen Gemeinde an.

The family belongs to a Protestant congregation.

Open full word page: evangelisch

In real life

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