predigen
to preach
In a religious context, to give a sermon or religious address.
EXAMPLE
Der Pfarrer predigt jeden Sonntag über einen Abschnitt aus der Bibel.
The pastor preaches every Sunday about a passage from the Bible.
predigen
to preach
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Meanings
predigen
to preach
In a figurative sense, to admonish someone about moral behavior in a lecturing way that is often perceived as intrusive.
EXAMPLE
Hör auf, mir ständig zu predigen, ich weiß selbst, dass ich mehr Sport machen sollte.
Stop constantly preaching to me; I know myself that I should exercise more.
Wasser predigen und Wein trinken
to preach water and drink wine
A fixed expression that describes someone demanding behavior from others that they do not follow themselves.
EXAMPLE
Der Manager fordert Sparmaßnahmen, fliegt aber selbst erster Klasse – er predigt Wasser und trinkt Wein.
The manager calls for cost-cutting measures but flies first class himself—he preaches water and drinks wine.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'predigen' (to preach) is directly connected to the noun 'die Predigt' (the sermon in church). Someone who preaches gives a sermon.
EXAMPLE
Die Predigt des Priesters war sehr inspirierend.
The priest's sermon was very inspiring.
Dative construction
When you lecture someone, the person receiving the moral sermon is in the dative. You preach something to 'jemandem' (someone).
EXAMPLE
Meine Mutter predigt mir ständig, ich solle mein Zimmer aufräumen.
My mother is constantly preaching to me that I should clean up my room.
Negative undertone
Outside of the religious context, 'predigen' (to preach) often has a negative, annoyed undertone. It means that someone gives advice in an unwanted and lecturing way.
EXAMPLE
Ich weiß, dass Rauchen ungesund ist, du musst es mir nicht jeden Tag predigen.
I know that smoking is unhealthy; you don't have to preach it to me every day.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'Wasser predigen und Wein trinken' (to preach water and drink wine) is a fixed expression. It describes hypocritical behavior, meaning when someone demands something from others that they do not do themselves.
EXAMPLE
Er sagt, wir sollen sparen, kauft sich aber selbst ein teures Auto. Er predigt Wasser und trinkt Wein.
He says we should save money, but he buys himself an expensive car. He preaches water and drinks wine.
Compare with
predigen vs verkünden
to announce / proclaim
In a religious context, both words can refer to a religious message. “Predigen” specifically means giving a religious address, while “verkünden” places more emphasis on the message and its public dissemination. “Predigen” is more appropriate for the speech itself, while “verkünden” is more appropriate for passing on the message.
predigen
Die Pfarrerin predigte am Sonntag über die Bedeutung des Evangeliums.
The pastor preached about the meaning of the Gospel on Sunday.
verkünden
Die Pfarrerin verkündete der Gemeinde die Botschaft des Evangeliums.
The pastor proclaimed the message of the Gospel to the congregation.
In real life
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