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rituell
ritual
Relating to a ritual or taking place according to the fixed rules of a ritual.
example
Die rituelle Waschung ist Teil der religiösen Zeremonie.
The ritual washing is part of the religious ceremony.
rituell
ritual
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'rituell' (ritual) derives directly from the noun 'das Ritual' (the ritual). It describes actions or objects that are part of a ritual or have the character of a ritual.
EXAMPLE
Jede Kultur hat ihre eigenen Rituale und rituellen Feste.
Every culture has its own rituals and ritual festivals.
Typical collocations
In its original meaning, 'rituell' (ritual) is often combined with nouns from the areas of religion, tradition, and ceremony. Typical examples are: 'eine rituelle Handlung' (a ritual act), 'ein ritueller Tanz' (a ritual dance), or 'rituelle Gesänge' (ritual chants).
EXAMPLE
Vor dem Betreten des Tempels vollzog er eine rituelle Waschung.
Before entering the temple, he performed a ritual washing.
Context clue
You can tell from the noun whether the ceremonial or the habitual meaning is intended. If 'rituell' (ritual) refers to everyday things like a coffee, a walk, or a greeting, the figurative meaning 'out of habit' is meant.
EXAMPLE
Seine Frage nach dem Wetter war schon fast rituell.
His question about the weather had become almost ritual.
Compare with
rituell vs regelmäßig
regular
'regelmäßig' and 'rituell' can both describe that something is repeated. 'regelmäßig' mainly says that something happens often or at fixed intervals. 'rituell' says more about how something happens: it follows fixed rules or always takes place in an almost ceremonial, habitual way. This can be religious, but it does not have to be. Learners may confuse the words because rituals often take place regularly. But not every regular action is ritual. Someone who goes shopping every Monday does it 'regelmäßig'; someone who does the exact same small action every morning with special meaning is more likely doing it 'rituell'.
rituell
Jeden Morgen trinkt er seinen Kaffee fast rituell am gleichen Platz.
Every morning he drinks his coffee almost ritualistically in the same spot.
regelmäßig
Vor der Reise habe ich regelmäßig meine E-Mails kontrolliert.
Before the trip, I regularly checked my emails.
In real life
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