patriarch
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patriarch
The male head of an extended family, clan, or tribe who holds the highest authority.
Der Patriarch der Familie entschied über alle wichtigen Angelegenheiten.
The patriarch of the family decided on all important matters.
The word comes from Greek and is made up of 'pater' (father) and 'archein' (to rule). A patriarch is therefore literally a 'father-ruler,' which highlights the idea of male authority.
In vielen alten Kulturen war der Patriarch die zentrale Figur der Gesellschaft.
In many ancient cultures, the patriarch was the central figure of society.
You can tell from the context whether the family meaning or the church meaning is intended. Terms like 'Familie' (family), 'Clan' (clan), or 'Dynastie' (dynasty) point to the head of a family. Titles like 'ökumenisch' (ecumenical) or city names like 'Konstantinopel' (Constantinople) refer to the church dignitary.
Der Patriarch der Adelsfamilie verwaltet das gesamte Vermögen.
The patriarch of the noble family manages the entire fortune.
In the meaning of head of a family, the word is usually used in a formal, historical, or sociological context. It is uncommon in everyday speech for one's own grandfather.
Die Biografie beschreibt ihn als strengen Patriarchen, der über drei Generationen herrschte.
The biography describes him as a strict patriarch who ruled over three generations.
In a church context, 'Patriarch' (patriarch) is often combined with the title 'ökumenisch' (ecumenical) or the name of a city that is the seat of the patriarchate. Typical formulations are 'der Patriarch von Konstantinopel' (the Patriarch of Constantinople) or 'der serbisch-orthodoxe Patriarch' (the Serbian Orthodox patriarch).
Das Treffen zwischen dem Papst und dem Patriarchen von Antiochien war ein wichtiges ökumenisches Ereignis.
The meeting between the pope and the Patriarch of Antioch was an important ecumenical event.
pope
'der Papst' and 'der Patriarch' can both refer to high-ranking church leaders. However, they are not simply the same role. The pope is the head of the Roman Catholic Church and of the Vatican. A patriarch is a high-ranking church dignitary, especially in Orthodox and Eastern churches. Learners may confuse the words because both appear in religious news and refer to very high offices. The church context is important: for the Roman Catholic Church, you say 'Papst'; for many Eastern churches, 'Patriarch' is more likely.
Der Patriarch leitete den Gottesdienst in der orthodoxen Kirche.
The patriarch led the service in the Orthodox church.
Der Papst empfing die Besucher im Vatikan.
The pope received the visitors in the Vatican.