religiös
religious
Relates to belief in one or more deities and the practice of a religion.
EXAMPLE
Ihre Familie ist sehr religiös und feiert alle kirchlichen Feste.
Her family is very religious and celebrates all church holidays.
religiös
religious
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Meanings
religiös
religious
Relates to religion as a topic or institution, without expressing a personal attitude of faith.
EXAMPLE
Das Museum zeigt eine Sammlung religiöser Kunst aus dem Mittelalter.
The museum shows a collection of religious art from the Middle Ages.
religiös
religious
Figuratively: carried out with extreme care, devotion, or regularity, almost like a ritual.
EXAMPLE
Er pflegt seine Oldtimer-Sammlung mit fast schon religiöser Genauigkeit.
He maintains his classic car collection with almost religious precision.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'religiös' (religious) is derived directly from the noun 'die Religion' (religion). It describes everything that has to do with religion or is shaped by it.
EXAMPLE
In der Schule lernen wir über verschiedene religiöse Traditionen.
At school, we learn about different religious traditions.
Person or thing?
If 'religiös' (religious) describes a person, it means that this person is devout or has faith. If it describes a thing (e.g. a book, a building, a topic), it means that the thing has a connection to religion.
EXAMPLE
Meine Tante ist eine sehr religiöse Frau.
My aunt is a very religious woman.
Figurative meaning
In the figurative sense, 'religiös' (religious) describes an action that is carried out with extreme, almost ritual care. In this use, it has nothing to do with faith and is often intensified by adverbs like 'fast schon' (almost) or 'geradezu' (downright).
EXAMPLE
Er putzt sein Auto jeden Samstag mit einer fast schon religiösen Hingabe.
He cleans his car every Saturday with almost religious devotion.
Compare with
religiös vs kirchlich
ecclesiastical / church
Religiös and kirchlich can both refer to faith, worship services, or institutions. Religiös is broader and can refer to religion in general or to different religions, whereas kirchlich presupposes the church as an institution. Use religiös for a general reference to religion and kirchlich for services or activities of the church.
religiös
Das Museum zeigt eine religiöse Ausstellung über verschiedene Glaubensrichtungen.
The museum is showing a religious exhibition about different faiths.
kirchlich
Die kirchliche Gemeinde organisiert am Sonntag einen Gottesdienst.
The church congregation is organizing a worship service on Sunday.
In real life
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