heretic
der Ketzer, die Ketzer
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heretic
A person who publicly holds an opinion that differs from the official doctrine of a religion, especially Christianity. This meaning is often historical.
Im Mittelalter wurden viele angebliche Ketzer von der Inquisition verfolgt.
In the Middle Ages, many alleged heretics were persecuted by the Inquisition.
heretic
In a figurative sense, a person who holds an opinion that differs strongly from the generally accepted or dominant view.
Mit seiner Forderung nach radikalen Reformen gilt er in seiner Partei als Ketzer.
With his demand for radical reforms, he is considered a heretic in his party.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Ketzer |
| genitive | des Ketzers |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Ketzer | die Ketzer |
| accusative | den Ketzer | die Ketzer |
| dative | dem Ketzer | den Ketzern |
| genitive | des Ketzers | der Ketzer |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word family includes the noun 'die Ketzerei' (heresy; heretical doctrine or action) and the adjective 'ketzerisch' (heretical; deviating from the dominant view).
Seine Thesen wurden als ketzerisch verurteilt.
His theses were condemned as heretical.
Man warf ihm Ketzerei vor.
He was accused of heresy.
The word 'Ketzer' (heretic) is very strong and often negatively or dramatically charged. It does not just describe someone with a different opinion, but a person who radically questions a fundamental, established belief.
Er wurde für seine revolutionären Ideen als Ketzer beschimpft.
He was insulted as a heretic for his revolutionary ideas.
You can recognize the figurative meaning when the context is not religious or historical. It is often about politics, science, or art, where someone argues against the prevailing opinion.
Innerhalb der Klimaforschung gilt er mit seiner Theorie als Ketzer.
Within climate research, he is considered a heretic with his theory.
In the figurative sense, 'Ketzer' (heretic) is often used with verbs such as 'gelten als' (to be considered) or 'bezeichnen als' (to call/describe as). Typical phrases are 'als Ketzer gelten' (to be considered a heretic) or 'jemanden als Ketzer bezeichnen' (to call someone a heretic).
Wer heute noch so etwas behauptet, gilt schnell als Ketzer.
Anyone who still claims something like that today is quickly considered a heretic.
