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
kirchlich
religious / churchgoing
Describing a person or group that is strongly shaped by the church and its values; devout.
EXAMPLE
Sie stammt aus einer sehr kirchlich geprägten Familie.
She comes from a very religious family shaped by the church.
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 christlich
Christian
Christlich and kirchlich can both express a religious background. Christlich generally refers to Christianity, even without a connection to a particular church. Kirchlich, by contrast, emphasizes that a group or institution belongs to the church as an institution or is supported by it.
kirchlich
Die kirchliche Jugendgruppe wird offiziell von der örtlichen Kirchengemeinde getragen.
The church youth group is officially supported by the local parish.
christlich
Die christliche Jugendgruppe orientiert sich am Glauben, gehört aber zu keiner Kirche.
The Christian youth group is guided by faith but does not belong to any church.
In real life
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