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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 katholisch
Catholic
'katholisch' and 'päpstlich' both belong to the area of the Roman Catholic Church. The difference is in the focus: 'katholisch' generally describes the church, its members, rules, or institutions. 'päpstlich' more specifically means something that is directly connected with the pope or his office, or that comes from him. The words can be confused because the pope plays an important role in the Catholic Church. In practice: for a congregation, a school, or a person, 'katholisch' usually fits. For a decision, a document, or a trip by the pope, 'päpstlich' fits.
päpstlich
Die Zeitung berichtete über den päpstlichen Besuch in der Stadt.
The newspaper reported on the papal visit to the city.
katholisch
Meine Großmutter geht jeden Sonntag in die katholische Kirche.
My grandmother goes to the Catholic church every Sunday.
In real life
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