parish
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parish
The official district and congregation of a parish priest, especially in the Catholic Church. It includes both the area and the community of believers.
Unsere Pfarrei organisiert jedes Jahr ein großes Sommerfest für alle Gemeindemitglieder.
Our parish organizes a large summer festival for all parish members every year.
The word 'Pfarrei' (parish) is closely connected to 'der Pfarrer' (priest/pastor). The parish is the official district or congregation for which a priest is responsible.
Der neue Pfarrer wurde der Pfarrei feierlich vorgestellt.
The new priest was formally introduced to the parish.
This term is used almost exclusively in the context of the Catholic Church to refer to a church community and its area.
Er ist in einer kleinen katholischen Pfarrei auf dem Land aufgewachsen.
He grew up in a small Catholic parish in the countryside.
Common phrases are 'zu einer Pfarrei gehören' (to belong to a parish), 'in der Pfarrei aktiv sein' (to be active in the parish), or saying that a priest 'eine Pfarrei leitet' (leads/runs a parish).
Viele Freiwillige sind in unserer Pfarrei aktiv.
Many volunteers are active in our parish.
The meaning 'Pfarrhaus' (rectory/parish house) is less common. It is used when referring to the priest's office or official residence as a place.
Die Dokumente können Sie morgen in der Pfarrei abholen.
You can pick up the documents tomorrow at the parish office.
municipality / community
'die Gemeinde' and 'die Pfarrei' can both mean a group of believers in a particular place in a religious context. 'Gemeinde' is more general and can be used in different religions or even outside religion. 'Pfarrei' is more specific and means the district and community for which a parish priest is responsible, especially in the Catholic Church. Learners may confuse the words because both are often heard in church contexts. If you mean the believers in general, 'Gemeinde' fits. If it is about the church district, the parish priest, or the local organization, 'Pfarrei' is more precise.
Der Lehrer erklärt, warum die alte Kapelle zu dieser Pfarrei gehört.
The teacher explains why the old chapel belongs to this parish.
In der Kirche begrüßt der Pfarrer die Gemeinde freundlich.
In the church, the priest warmly greets the congregation.