sermon
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sermon
A speech about a religious or moral topic, usually given by a member of the clergy as part of a church service.
Die Predigt des Pastors handelte von Vergebung und Versöhnung.
The pastor's sermon was about forgiveness and reconciliation.
to lecture someone
In a figurative sense, to direct a long, often moralizing and reproachful speech at someone in order to criticize their behavior.
Anstatt mir zu helfen, hat mein Vater mir eine lange Predigt über Verantwortung gehalten.
Instead of helping me, my father gave me a long lecture about responsibility.
'Die Predigt' (the sermon) is the noun that belongs to the verb 'predigen' (to preach). When a pastor preaches, he gives a sermon.
Der Priester predigte über Nächstenliebe.
The priest preached about charity.
In a religious context, a sermon is 'gehalten' (given/delivered) by a member of the clergy and 'gehört' (heard) by the faithful. It usually takes place in a 'Kirche' (church) or during a 'Gottesdienst' (church service).
Wir haben am Sonntag in der Kirche eine interessante Predigt gehört.
We heard an interesting sermon in church on Sunday.
The figurative meaning of a long, reproachful speech is almost always used with a dative object: 'jemandem eine Predigt halten' (to give someone a lecture). The dative object is the person receiving the reproach.
Als ich zu spät kam, hielt mir meine Mutter eine lange Predigt.
When I arrived late, my mother gave me a long lecture.
lecture / presentation
Vortrag and Predigt are both thematic speeches given to an audience. A Predigt addresses a religious or moral topic and is usually given by a member of the clergy during a church service. Vortrag is suitable for an informative presentation outside this context.
Der Pfarrer hält im Gottesdienst eine Predigt über die Bedeutung der Vergebung.
The pastor is giving a sermon on the importance of forgiveness during the church service.
Der Pfarrer hält im Gemeindehaus einen Vortrag über die Geschichte der Kirche.
The pastor is giving a talk on the history of the church at the community center.
