chaplain / pastoral counselor
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chaplain / pastoral counselor
A person, usually a member of the clergy such as a pastor or priest, who advises and supports people in personal or spiritual crises.
Nach dem schweren Verlust fand sie Trost im Gespräch mit einem Seelsorger.
After the severe loss, she found comfort in talking with a chaplain.
The word is made up of 'Seele' (soul) and 'sorgen' (to care/worry). A 'Seelsorger' (chaplain/pastoral counselor) is therefore literally someone who cares for and looks after a person's soul.
Der Seelsorger hörte sich geduldig alle Sorgen an.
The chaplain patiently listened to all the worries.
The term is usually used in a religious or institutional context. 'Seelsorger' (chaplains/pastoral counselors) often work for churches, but also in hospitals, the military, or prisons to provide support to people.
Im Krankenhaus gibt es einen Seelsorger, der Patienten und Angehörige betreut.
There is a chaplain in the hospital who supports patients and relatives.
Typical verbs used with 'Seelsorger' (chaplain/pastoral counselor) are 'ein Gespräch suchen' (to seek a conversation), 'sich an jemanden wenden' (to turn to someone), or 'Trost finden' (to find comfort). The activity itself is often described with 'als Seelsorger arbeiten' (to work as a chaplain/pastoral counselor).
In ihrer Trauer wandte sie sich an die Seelsorgerin ihrer Gemeinde.
In her grief, she turned to the pastoral counselor of her congregation.
pastor
'der Pfarrer' and 'der Seelsorger' can both support people with personal or religious questions. However, 'Pfarrer' refers to a church office: he leads a congregation and has fixed duties. 'Seelsorger' describes more the task of advising and supporting people in difficult situations. A Pfarrer can therefore work as a Seelsorger. But a Seelsorger does not always have to lead a congregation as a Pfarrer. The words can be confused because their work often overlaps.
Der Seelsorger besucht morgen eine Patientin im Krankenhaus.
The chaplain is visiting a patient in the hospital tomorrow.
Im Gemeindehaus hat Paul dem Pfarrer von seiner Sorge erzählt.
At the parish hall, Paul told the pastor about his worry.