priest
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priest
An ordained officeholder in Christian churches, especially the Catholic and Orthodox churches, who leads religious ceremonies such as Mass and takes on pastoral duties.
Der Priester taufte das Kind in der kleinen Dorfkirche.
The priest baptized the child in the small village church.
priest
In a general or historical sense, a person who acts in a religion as a mediator between humans and a deity and performs religious rites.
In der Antike brachten die Priester den Göttern Opfer dar.
In antiquity, the priests offered sacrifices to the gods.
A fixed expression is 'jemanden zum Priester weihen' (to ordain someone as a priest). This describes the official act through which someone becomes a priest.
Er entschied sich schon in jungen Jahren, sich zum Priester weihen zu lassen.
He decided at a young age to be ordained as a priest.
In the Christian meaning, 'Priester' (priest) is often connected with typical religious actions. These include, for example, saying Mass, hearing confession, or administering sacraments.
Der Priester bereitete sich auf die Sonntagsmesse vor.
The priest prepared for Sunday Mass.
The more general, historical meaning can often be recognized from the context. If the text is about ancient cultures, non-Christian religions, or antiquity, this meaning is intended.
Archäologen fanden das Grab eines mächtigen Priesters aus dem alten Ägypten.
Archaeologists found the tomb of a powerful priest from ancient Egypt.
pastor
Both der Pfarrer and der Priester are ordained Christian clergy, and both can lead church services. However, Pfarrer emphasizes the role of leading a particular congregation, while Priester focuses more on ordination and religious ceremonies. Pfarrer is therefore more appropriate for a congregation, while Priester is more appropriate for the general ecclesiastical function.
Der Priester leitet am Sonntag die Messe und spricht dabei die religiösen Gebete.
The priest is celebrating Mass on Sunday and will say the religious prayers during it.
Der Pfarrer unserer Gemeinde leitet am Sonntag den Gottesdienst und besucht danach eine kranke Frau.
The pastor of our congregation is leading the service on Sunday and will visit a sick woman afterward.
