catechism
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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.
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.
textbook
'das Lehrbuch' and 'der Katechismus' can both explain knowledge or rules in an organized way. A 'Lehrbuch' is used generally for a subject, for example mathematics, medicine, or a language. 'der Katechismus' originally belongs to religious instruction and explains basic Christian doctrines, often in question-and-answer form. In a figurative sense, it means fixed rules that are meant to apply strictly. The words can be confused because both can instruct or teach. For normal learning at school or university, 'Lehrbuch' is appropriate. For religion or very fixed doctrines, 'Katechismus' is more precise.
Im Religionsunterricht lesen die Schüler einen Abschnitt aus dem Katechismus.
In religious education class, the students read a section from the catechism.
Die Gruppe arbeitet mit einem Lehrbuch, das die Grammatik einfach erklärt.
The group works with a textbook that explains the grammar simply.