monk-like
der Mönch, die Mönche
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monk-like
In the manner of a monk; living modestly, ascetically, or in seclusion. A very rare, mostly figurative use of the noun as an adjective.
Seit seiner Pensionierung lebt er sehr mönch und meidet die Gesellschaft.
Since his retirement, he has lived in a very monk-like way and avoids society.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Mönche |
| genitive | des Mönchs |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Mönch | die Mönche |
| accusative | den Mönch | die Mönche |
| dative | dem Mönch | den Mönchen |
| genitive | des Mönchs des Mönches | der Mönche |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The adjective 'mönch' (monk-like) is derived directly from the noun 'der Mönch' (the monk). It literally means 'in the manner of a monk' and describes a very modest, secluded, and simple way of life.
Er führt ein Leben, das man fast als mönch bezeichnen könnte.
He leads a life that one could almost call monk-like.
This adjective is used almost exclusively predicatively, meaning it comes after verbs such as 'sein' (to be) or 'leben' (to live). Use before a noun (attributive use) is extremely rare and sounds unnatural.
Nach dem Tod seiner Frau lebte der alte Mann völlig mönch.
After his wife's death, the old man lived completely like a monk.
The use of 'mönch' (monk-like) as an adjective is very rare and has a literary or figurative character. You should know this word in order to understand it, but use it in everyday life only very deliberately.
In seiner kleinen Hütte im Wald hauste er ganz mönch.
In his small hut in the forest, he lived entirely like a monk.
brother
In a monastic community, Bruder and Mönch can refer to the same person. Here, Bruder emphasizes that the male member of the religious order is not a priest. Mönch, on the other hand, refers to the monastic way of life and says nothing about whether the person is a priest.
Johannes lebt als Mönch im Kloster, obwohl er kein Priester ist.
Johannes lives as a monk in the monastery, even though he is not a priest.
Bruder Johannes lebt im Orden und ist nicht zum Priester geweiht.
Brother Johannes lives in the religious order and has not been ordained as a priest.
