01
der Psalm
psalm
A religious song, prayer, or poem, especially one from the Book of Psalms in the Old Testament of the Bible.
example
Im Gottesdienst wurde heute der Psalm 23 gebetet.
Psalm 23 was prayed in the church service today.
der Psalm
psalm
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Meanings
Usage tips
Religious context
The word 'Psalm' (psalm) is used almost exclusively in a religious context, especially in a Judeo-Christian context. It refers to the texts from the Book of Psalms in the Bible.
EXAMPLE
Der Priester las einen Psalm vor der Predigt.
The priest read a psalm before the sermon.
Use with numbers
Psalms are typically identified by their number. For example, you say 'Psalm 23' or 'der 91. Psalm' (the 91st psalm).
EXAMPLE
Mein Lieblingspsalm ist Psalm 121.
My favorite psalm is Psalm 121.
Typical verbs
Depending on the context, a psalm is 'gebetet' (prayed), 'gelesen' (read), 'gesungen' (sung), or 'rezitiert' (recited).
EXAMPLE
Die Gemeinde sang gemeinsam einen bekannten Psalm.
The congregation sang a well-known psalm together.
Fixed expression
The collection of all psalms in the Bible is called 'das Buch der Psalmen' (the Book of Psalms). This expression is very common.
EXAMPLE
Das Buch der Psalmen enthält 150 religiöse Lieder und Gebete.
The Book of Psalms contains 150 religious songs and prayers.
Compare with
Psalm vs Gebet
prayer
'das Gebet' and 'der Psalm' both belong in a religious context and can be directed toward God. 'Gebet' is the more general term: it can be a request, thanks, worship, or a fixed text. 'Psalm' is more specific. It is a religious song, prayer, or poem, especially from the biblical Book of Psalms. The words can be confused because many psalms seem like prayers or are prayed in church services. If you are speaking generally about praying, use 'Gebet'. If you mean a specific biblical or poetic religious text, 'Psalm' is more precise.
Psalm
Wegen der Trauerfeier liest der Pfarrer einen ruhigen Psalm vor.
Because of the funeral service, the pastor reads a calm psalm aloud.
Gebet
In der Kirche spricht die Gemeinde ein gemeinsames Gebet.
In the church, the congregation says a prayer together.
In real life
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