clergyman
die Geistliche, die Geistlichen
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clergyman
A male person who holds a church office and is ordained for religious acts, for example a priest, pastor, or bishop.
Der Geistliche besuchte die kranke Frau im Krankenhaus, um ihr Trost zu spenden.
The clergyman visited the sick woman in the hospital to comfort her.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Geistlichen |
| genitive | der Geistlichen |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Geistliche | die Geistlichen |
| accusative | die Geistliche | die Geistlichen |
| dative | der Geistlichen | den Geistlichen |
| genitive | der Geistlichen | der Geistlichen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word is a substantivized adjective. It comes from the adjective 'geistlich' (spiritual, ecclesiastical), which is derived from 'der Geist' (the spirit). So a 'Geistlicher' (clergyman) is literally 'a spiritual person.'
Ein hoher Geistlicher hielt die Predigt.
A high-ranking clergyman gave the sermon.
Since 'Geistlicher' (clergyman) is a substantivized adjective, it is declined like one. Its ending changes depending on case and article, for example 'der Geistliche' (the clergyman), but 'ein Geistlicher' (a clergyman) or 'mit dem Geistlichen' (with the clergyman).
Wir sprachen mit einem Geistlichen über die Geschichte der Kirche.
We spoke with a clergyman about the history of the church.
'Geistlicher' (clergyman) is a formal umbrella term for people in a church office in Christianity. It can refer to a priest, pastor, bishop, or other officeholder.
Zur Zeremonie waren mehrere Geistliche verschiedener Konfessionen eingeladen.
Several clergymen from different denominations were invited to the ceremony.
pastor
Pfarrer and Geistlicher can both refer to an ordained church official. Pfarrer is the more specific term for a Geistlicher who leads a particular congregation, while Geistlicher also includes other church offices. When responsibility for a congregation is meant, Pfarrer is more precise; otherwise, Geistlicher works as the broader term.
Der Geistliche leitet den Gottesdienst, ohne dass seine genaue kirchliche Aufgabe genannt wird.
The clergyman leads the service, without his exact church role being specified.
Der Pfarrer unserer Gemeinde leitet den Gottesdienst und betreut die Menschen in der Pfarrei.
The pastor of our congregation leads the service and looks after the people in the parish.
