Stations of the Cross / ordeal
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Stations of the Cross
In Christianity, a form of devotion that retraces the path of Jesus Christ's suffering from his condemnation to the crucifixion and burial. It typically consists of 14 stations represented as pictures or sculptures.
In der Fastenzeit gehen viele Gläubige freitags den Kreuzweg in der Kirche.
During Lent, many believers walk the Stations of the Cross in church on Fridays.
The word is made up of 'Kreuz' (cross) and 'Weg' (way/path). It literally means 'the way of the cross' and originally refers to the path of Jesus Christ's suffering, which is the basis for both meanings.
Der Kreuzweg führt den Berg hinauf zu einer kleinen Kapelle.
The Stations of the Cross lead up the mountain to a small chapel.
In a religious context, 'Kreuzweg' (Stations of the Cross) is often used with the verb 'gehen' (to go/walk) or 'beten' (to pray). People say 'den Kreuzweg gehen' (to walk the Stations of the Cross) to describe performing the devotion.
Die Gemeinde versammelt sich, um gemeinsam den Kreuzweg zu beten.
The congregation gathers to pray the Stations of the Cross together.
You can recognize the figurative meaning from the context. When it is about personal difficulties such as an illness, a legal dispute, or a lengthy task, the difficult process is usually meant.
Die jahrelange Pflege seiner Eltern war ein schwerer Kreuzweg für ihn.
Caring for his parents for years was a difficult ordeal for him.
agony / torment
'die Qual' and 'der Kreuzweg' can both speak of severe suffering. 'Qual' mainly describes the pain or suffering itself. In a figurative sense, 'Kreuzweg' is more like a long, difficult path with many problems. You use 'Kreuzweg' when someone has to go through a difficult phase of life or a laborious process over a longer period. 'Qual' is more general and can also describe a single moment of intense suffering.
Nach dem Unfall begann für die Familie ein langer Kreuzweg durch Kliniken und Behörden.
After the accident, a long ordeal through clinics and government offices began for the family.
Für Sofia ist das Warten auf die Nachricht eine große Qual.
For Sofia, waiting for the news is sheer agony.