päpstlich
papal
Relating to the pope or the papacy; originating from the pope.
EXAMPLE
Der päpstliche Segen wurde den Gläubigen auf dem Petersplatz erteilt.
The papal blessing was given to the faithful in St. Peter's Square.
päpstlich
papal
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word formation
The adjective 'päpstlich' (papal) is derived directly from the noun 'der Papst' (the pope). The ending '-lich' turns it into an adjective, with the vowel 'a' changing to the umlaut 'ä'.
EXAMPLE
Die Entscheidung des Papstes ist eine päpstliche Anordnung.
The pope's decision is a papal directive.
Typical collocations
This adjective is often used in fixed combinations. Common combinations are 'der päpstliche Stuhl' (the Holy See, literally the papal chair; symbol of the office of the pope), 'ein päpstlicher Erlass' (a papal decree), or 'die päpstliche Schweizergarde' (the Pontifical Swiss Guard).
EXAMPLE
Die päpstliche Schweizergarde ist für die Sicherheit des Vatikans zuständig.
The Pontifical Swiss Guard is responsible for the security of the Vatican.
Register and style
The word 'päpstlich' (papal) belongs to a formal register. You find it mainly in texts and conversations about religion, history, or the politics of the Vatican.
EXAMPLE
Der Historiker erforscht päpstliche Dokumente aus dem Mittelalter.
The historian is researching papal documents from the Middle Ages.
Compare with
päpstlich vs apostolisch
apostolic
Päpstlich describes something that directly concerns the pope or the papacy or originates from the pope. Apostolisch can refer to the same church authority from the perspective that the pope is regarded as the successor of the apostle Peter. The choice therefore depends on which connection is being emphasized.
päpstlich
Die päpstliche Vollmacht geht in diesem Schreiben unmittelbar vom Papst aus.
The papal authority in this document comes directly from the pope.
apostolisch
Die apostolische Vollmacht wird in diesem Schreiben mit der Nachfolge des Petrus begründet.
The apostolic authority in this document is justified by the succession of Peter.
In real life
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