01
der Imam
imam
In Islam, the prayer leader who leads communal prayer in a mosque.
example
Der Imam rief die Gläubigen zum Freitagsgebet.
The imam called the believers to Friday prayer.
der Imam
imam
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning of the word depends strongly on the Islamic denomination. In the context of Sunni Islam, the imam is the leader of communal prayer. In a Shia context, the imam refers to a historical leader of the community appointed by God.
EXAMPLE
In unserer Moschee leitet ein junger Imam das Freitagsgebet.
In our mosque, a young imam leads the Friday prayer.
Use in a sentence
'Der Imam' (the imam) is a masculine noun. It is used and declined in sentences like other masculine terms for people. The word comes from Arabic.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben den Imam nach seiner Meinung gefragt.
We asked the imam for his opinion.
Typical collocations
When the prayer leader is meant, 'Imam' (imam) often appears with words that describe his function. Typical phrases are 'das Gebet leiten' (to lead the prayer), 'in der Moschee predigen' (to preach in the mosque), or 'zum Gebet rufen' (to call to prayer).
EXAMPLE
Der Imam leitet fünfmal am Tag das Gebet.
The imam leads the prayer five times a day.
Compare with
Imam vs Prediger
preacher
'der Prediger' and 'der Imam' can both have to do with religious gatherings, but they are not the same thing. A 'Prediger' gives a sermon and proclaims religious teachings; the word is not tied to a specific religion. An 'Imam' is the prayer leader in Islam who leads communal prayer in the mosque. The words can be confused because both religious figures speak or act in front of a community. When the topic is preaching in general, 'Prediger' fits; when it is about Islamic prayer leadership in the mosque, 'Imam' is more precise.
Imam
Der Imam leitete am Freitag das Gebet in der Moschee.
The imam led the Friday prayer in the mosque.
Prediger
Bei der religiösen Versammlung hörten alle dem Prediger aufmerksam zu.
At the religious gathering, everyone listened attentively to the preacher.
In real life
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