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
rituell
ritual
Something that is repeated in the same, almost ceremonial way, often out of habit and without a religious background.
EXAMPLE
Sein ritueller Morgenspaziergang vor der Arbeit war ihm heilig.
His ritual morning walk before work was sacred to him.
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 feierlich
solemn / ceremonial
Feierlich describes the dignified and special atmosphere of an action. Rituell, by contrast, means that the action follows the fixed rules of a ritual. A ceremony can therefore be both feierlich and rituell; the words emphasize different aspects.
rituell
Die Kerze wurde bei der Eröffnung rituell nach einer festen Folge von Handlungen entzündet.
The candle was lit according to a ritual sequence of fixed actions at the opening.
feierlich
Die Kerze wurde bei der Eröffnung feierlich entzündet.
The candle was ceremonially lit at the opening.
In real life
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