Jesuit
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Jesuit
A member of the Catholic order 'Society of Jesus' (Societas Iesu), which is known for its educational work and missionary activity.
Papst Franziskus ist der erste Jesuit in diesem Amt.
Pope Francis is the first Jesuit to hold this office.
The Jesuit order is historically known for its high level of education and intellectual tradition. From this reputation developed the figurative meaning of a person who argues very cleverly and in a complex way.
Viele Universitäten wurden von Jesuiten gegründet.
Many universities were founded by Jesuits.
The related adjective is 'jesuitisch' (Jesuit/Jesuitical). It can refer both to the order and to the figurative meaning of sophistical argumentation.
Er besuchte ein jesuitisches Gymnasium.
He attended a Jesuit high school.
You can recognize the derogatory, figurative meaning from words in the area of discussion and argumentation, such as 'Argument' (argument), 'raffiniert' (sophisticated/crafty), or 'spitzfindig' (sophistical). The literal meaning usually appears in a religious context.
Seine spitzfindige Antwort war die eines echten Jesuiten.
His sophistical answer was that of a real Jesuit.
priest
'der Priester' and 'der Jesuit' both belong to the Catholic context, but they do not mean the same thing. A priest is an ordained officeholder who can, for example, lead Mass. A Jesuit is a member of a specific Catholic order, the 'Gesellschaft Jesu' (Society of Jesus). A Jesuit may be a priest, but as a word it first refers to membership in the order. The words can be confused because many Jesuits also take on religious duties. If the office is important, say 'Priester'. If the order is important, say 'Jesuit'.
Der Jesuit arbeitete viele Jahre an einer Schule in München.
The Jesuit worked for many years at a school in Munich.
Der Priester leitete am Sonntag die Messe in der kleinen Kirche.
The priest led Mass on Sunday in the small church.