secular
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secular
Worldly, non-church, or non-religious. The term describes the separation of state and religion or a secular way of thinking not shaped by faith.
Frankreich ist ein streng säkularer Staat, in dem Religion als Privatsache gilt.
France is a strictly secular state in which religion is considered a private matter.
long-term
Extending over a very long period of centuries; lasting for centuries. This meaning is rarer and more academic.
Die säkulare Veränderung des Klimas ist ein Prozess, der sich über viele Generationen erstreckt.
The long-term change in the climate is a process that extends over many generations.
The adjective 'säkular' (secular) belongs to a word family. The related noun is 'die Säkularisierung' (secularization; the process of separating religion and the state), and the verb is 'säkularisieren' (to secularize).
Die Säkularisierung der Gesellschaft hat in Europa eine lange Geschichte.
The secularization of society has a long history in Europe.
The two meanings can be distinguished well from context. If the topic is religion, the state, or society, the meaning is 'weltlich' (secular). If the topic is science (e.g., climate, economics) and long periods of time, the meaning is 'jahrhundertelang' (lasting for centuries/long-term).
Viele westliche Staaten haben eine säkulare Verfassung.
Many Western states have a secular constitution.
In its main meaning of 'weltlich' (secular), 'säkular' is often combined with terms from politics and society. Common combinations are 'säkularer Staat' (secular state), 'säkulare Gesellschaft' (secular society), or 'säkulare Ethik' (secular ethics).
In einem säkularen Staat sind politische Entscheidungen nicht religiös begründet.
In a secular state, political decisions are not based on religion.
The meaning 'jahrhundertelang' (lasting for centuries/long-term) is very academic and is used almost only in scientific or specialist texts, for example in economics or climate research.
Die Ökonomen diskutieren, ob die aktuelle Stagnation ein säkulares Phänomen ist.
The economists are discussing whether the current stagnation is a long-term phenomenon.
secular
Both words can describe a nonreligious orientation. Weltlich is broader and can also refer to the earthly or material sphere, while säkular particularly emphasizes the separation of the state, institutions, or public life from religion. For this social context, säkular is usually more precise.
Der Staat ist säkular und behandelt religiöse Gemeinschaften nach denselben Regeln.
The state is secular and treats religious communities according to the same rules.
Die Schule ist weltlich und unterrichtet verschiedene Religionen ohne kirchliche Bindung.
The school is secular and teaches about different religions without being affiliated with a church.
