cathedral
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cathedral
The main church of a diocese, where the bishop's seat (the cathedra) is located. Often a particularly large and architecturally significant church building.
Die Kathedrale von Chartres ist berühmt für ihre Glasfenster.
Chartres Cathedral is famous for its stained-glass windows.
The word 'Kathedrale' (cathedral) comes from the Latin word 'cathedra', which means 'teacher's chair' or 'seat'. It refers to the church in which the official seat (the cathedra) of the bishop is located.
Jede Diözese hat eine Kathedrale als Bischofskirche.
Every diocese has a cathedral as the bishop's church.
Since cathedrals are often important sights, they are frequently combined with verbs such as 'besichtigen' (to tour/visit), 'besuchen' (to visit), 'bewundern' (to admire), or 'fotografieren' (to photograph).
In unserem Urlaub haben wir die berühmte Kathedrale von Reims besichtigt.
On our vacation, we toured the famous Reims Cathedral.
'Kathedrale' (cathedral) is the official and internationally common term. You find it especially in travel guides, art-historical texts, and formal church language.
Der Kunsthistoriker hielt einen Vortrag über die Baugeschichte der Kathedrale.
The art historian gave a lecture on the architectural history of the cathedral.
church
'die Kirche' and 'die Kathedrale' can both refer to a Christian building for worship services. 'Kirche' is the general word for such buildings. 'Kathedrale' is more specific: it is the main church of a diocese, and the bishop has his seat there. It is often large and well known. The words can be confusing because a cathedral is also a church. But not every church is a cathedral.
Lea besichtigt die Kathedrale, weil sie sich für alte Bauwerke interessiert.
Lea is visiting the cathedral because she is interested in old buildings.
Die Kirche neben dem Rathaus ist jeden Nachmittag geöffnet.
The church next to the town hall is open every afternoon.