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.
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
'der Pfarrer' and 'der Priester' both refer to religious officeholders, especially in a Christian context. 'Pfarrer' mainly says that someone leads a congregation and is responsible for the people there. 'Priester' emphasizes religious ordination and leading religious services, especially in the Catholic or Orthodox Church. The words can be confused because a Catholic Pfarrer can also be a Priester. However, 'Priester' is broader and can also be used generally or historically for other religions.
Am Sonntag leitet der Priester die Messe in der alten Kirche.
On Sunday, the priest leads Mass in the old church.
Der Pfarrer besucht heute eine Familie aus seiner Gemeinde.
The pastor is visiting a family from his congregation today.