der Täufer
baptizer
A person who baptizes another person as part of a religious ritual.
EXAMPLE
Der Priester trat als Täufer an das Taufbecken.
The priest stepped up to the baptismal font as the baptizer.
der Täufer
baptizer
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
der Täufer
the Baptist
As a proper name, often with the article, a designation for John the Baptist, a central religious figure in Christianity.
EXAMPLE
Die Predigten des Täufers zogen viele Menschen an den Jordan.
The sermons of the Baptist drew many people to the Jordan.
der Täufer
Anabaptist
A follower of the Anabaptist movement from the time of the Reformation, which advocated adult baptism.
EXAMPLE
Wegen ihrer Überzeugungen wurden die Täufer im 16. Jahrhundert oft verfolgt.
Because of their beliefs, the Anabaptists were often persecuted in the 16th century.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'Täufer' (baptizer) is derived from the verb 'taufen' (to baptize). The ending '-er' indicates a male person who performs the action of the verb, similar to 'lehren' (to teach) → 'Lehrer' (teacher).
EXAMPLE
Der Bäcker backt jeden Morgen frische Brötchen.
The baker bakes fresh rolls every morning.
Religious context
When people speak of 'dem Täufer' (the Baptist), with the definite article and often capitalized, they almost always mean the biblical figure John the Baptist. The context is then religious or historical.
EXAMPLE
Die Kirche ist Johannes dem Täufer geweiht.
The church is dedicated to John the Baptist.
Historical context
In the plural, 'die Täufer' (the Anabaptists), the word often refers to the members of a Christian movement at the time of the Reformation. This usage is found mainly in historical texts.
EXAMPLE
Die Geschichte der Täufer ist ein wichtiger Teil der Reformationszeit.
The history of the Anabaptists is an important part of the Reformation period.
In real life
Loading video examples...