catechism
Loading your saved state.
catechism
A book or text that summarizes and explains the basic doctrines of Christianity, often in question-and-answer form. It is used for religious instruction.
Im Konfirmandenunterricht mussten wir den Katechismus auswendig lernen.
In confirmation class, we had to learn the catechism by heart.
catechism
In a figurative sense, a system of fixed, unquestionable doctrines or rules in a non-religious area that people follow strictly.
Er folgte dem politischen Katechismus seiner Partei ohne jeden Zweifel.
He followed his party's political catechism without any doubt.
The word 'Katechismus' (catechism) belongs to elevated or educated language. It is rarely used in everyday conversation.
In seiner Rede zitierte der Historiker aus dem politischen Katechismus des 19. Jahrhunderts.
In his speech, the historian quoted from the political catechism of the 19th century.
You can recognize the figurative meaning from context. If it is about politics, ideology, or a non-religious worldview, the word is meant in a figurative sense.
Sie warf ihm vor, nur den starren Katechismus seiner Bewegung zu wiederholen.
She accused him of merely repeating the rigid catechism of his movement.
In a religious context, 'Katechismus' (catechism) is often used with verbs such as 'lernen' (to learn), 'lehren' (to teach), or 'kennen' (to know). It describes engagement with the foundations of the faith.
Die Kinder sollen die Grundlagen des Katechismus verstehen, nicht nur auswendig lernen.
The children should understand the basics of the catechism, not just learn them by heart.
dogma
Both words can be used figuratively for fixed teachings that are followed strictly. Dogma refers more to a single unshakable tenet, whereas Katechismus refers to an organized collection of such teachings or rules. Dogma is suitable for a single absolute statement, while Katechismus is suitable for the entire set of rules.
Die festen Regeln der Gruppe bilden einen politischen Katechismus, an den sich alle halten.
The group's fixed rules form a political catechism that everyone follows.
Dass Kritik niemals erlaubt ist, gilt in dieser Gruppe als Dogma.
In this group, the idea that criticism is never allowed is considered dogma.
