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.
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.
Christian
'christlich' and 'säkular' are opposites in many contexts. 'christlich' refers to Christianity or to Christian values. 'säkular' means worldly, non-religious, or not connected to the church. The word is often used when the state, school, or society should not be determined by religion. Learners may confuse the words because both appear in topics such as culture, politics, or education. When religion, the church, or Christian faith is the focus, 'christlich' fits. When religion is deliberately separated or is not important, 'säkular' fits.
In einem säkularen Staat entscheidet die Politik unabhängig von der Kirche.
In a secular state, politics makes decisions independently of the church.
Die Familie besucht an Weihnachten einen christlichen Gottesdienst.
The family attends a Christian church service at Christmas.