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kirchlich
ecclesiastical / church
Related to the church as an institution or originating from it.
example
Sie haben sich für eine kirchliche Trauung entschieden.
They decided on a church wedding.
kirchlich
ecclesiastical / church
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The adjective 'kirchlich' (ecclesiastical/church) is derived from the noun 'die Kirche' (the church). The ending '-lich' turns the noun into an adjective meaning 'belonging to the church' or 'in the spirit of the church'.
EXAMPLE
Viele kirchliche Gebäude in Europa sind sehr alt und berühmt.
Many church buildings in Europe are very old and famous.
Context clue
If 'kirchlich' (ecclesiastical/church) refers to a thing, event, or organization, it means the church as an institution. If it refers to a person or family, it describes their faithful and devout way of life.
EXAMPLE
Die kirchliche Steuer ist ein Beitrag für die Kirchenmitglieder.
The church tax is a contribution for church members.
Typical collocations
Common combinations are 'kirchliche Trauung' (church wedding), 'kirchliche Feiertage' (church holidays, such as Easter or Christmas), and 'kirchliche Einrichtungen' (church institutions, such as kindergartens or hospitals).
EXAMPLE
Der Kindergarten wird von einer kirchlichen Organisation betrieben.
The kindergarten is run by a church organization.
Compare with
kirchlich vs staatlich
state / public
'staatlich' and 'kirchlich' distinguish between two different institutions. 'staatlich' means that something comes from the state, belongs to the state, or is regulated by it. 'kirchlich' means that something comes from the church or is connected with the church as an organization. You can confuse the words because both often occur with schools, ceremonies, rules, or institutions. The practical question is: Is it about the state or about the church? Then you choose 'staatlich' or 'kirchlich' accordingly.
kirchlich
Die kirchliche Hochzeit findet im Sommer in der kleinen Dorfkirche statt.
The church wedding will take place in the summer in the small village church.
staatlich
Für diesen Beruf braucht man eine staatliche Anerkennung.
For this profession, you need state recognition.
In real life
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