The school subject in which knowledge about one or more religions, their beliefs, history, and ethical principles is taught.
example
Meine Tochter hat sich entschieden, am evangelischen Religionsunterricht teilzunehmen.
My daughter decided to take part in Protestant religious education.
Usage tips
Word composition
This word is a clear example of a compound noun. It consists of 'die Religion' (religion), the linking -s, and 'der Unterricht' (instruction/class). Literally, it is instruction about religion.
EXAMPLE
Der Religionsunterricht findet immer am Dienstagmorgen statt.
Religious education always takes place on Tuesday morning.
Typical collocations
As a school subject, 'Religionsunterricht' (religious education) is often combined with certain verbs. You 'hat' Religionsunterricht (have religious education), 'nimmt am' Religionsunterricht 'teil' (take part in religious education), or can 'sich vom' Religionsunterricht 'abmelden' (withdraw from religious education).
EXAMPLE
Manche Schüler nehmen nicht am Religionsunterricht teil.
Some students do not take part in religious education.
Cultural context
In Germany, religious education is often separated by denomination. People therefore often speak of 'evangelischen' (Protestant), 'katholischen' (Catholic), or 'islamischen' (Islamic) Religionsunterricht. There is also the subject 'Ethik' (ethics) as an alternative.
EXAMPLE
Sie geht in den katholischen Religionsunterricht, er in den evangelischen.
She goes to Catholic religious education, he goes to Protestant.
Colloquial abbreviation
In everyday school life and colloquial language, the long word 'Religionsunterricht' is very often shortened to 'Reli'.