council
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church council
An assembly of high-ranking church dignitaries, especially bishops, to discuss and decide on questions of faith, doctrine, and church discipline.
Das Zweite Vatikanische Konzil führte zu weitreichenden Reformen in der katholischen Kirche.
The Second Vatican Council led to far-reaching reforms in the Catholic Church.
The word 'Konzil' (council) is used almost exclusively in religious, especially Christian, and historical contexts. It practically does not occur in everyday language.
Der Theologieprofessor sprach über die Beschlüsse des letzten Konzils.
The theology professor spoke about the decisions of the last council.
In connection with a council, the verbs 'einberufen' (to convene officially) and 'abhalten' (to hold) are often used.
Der Kaiser berief ein Konzil ein, um den Streit zu beenden.
The emperor convened a council to end the dispute.
To express that something happens or is decided at such an assembly, German uses the preposition 'auf' with the dative: 'auf dem Konzil' (at the council).
Auf dem Konzil wurde über wichtige Glaubensfragen debattiert.
Important questions of faith were debated at the council.
synod
'das Konzil' and 'die Synode' both refer to church assemblies where matters of faith, doctrine, or organization are discussed. The most important difference lies in who takes part and in the setting. A 'Konzil' is especially associated with high-ranking church dignitaries, above all bishops, and often sounds large-scale and official. A 'Synode' can also be important in a church context, but depending on the church, it may include both clergy and laypeople. Learners may confuse the words because both sound like an official church assembly. As a practical rule: for a large assembly of bishops, 'Konzil' is usually more appropriate; for a deliberative assembly with broader participation, 'Synode' is usually more appropriate.
Auf dem Konzil diskutierten die Bischöfe über wichtige Fragen der kirchlichen Lehre.
At the council, the bishops discussed important questions of church doctrine.
Bei der Synode durften auch Vertreter aus den Gemeinden ihre Meinung sagen.
At the synod, representatives from the congregations were also allowed to express their opinions.