01
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
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Meanings
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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.
Compare with
Täufer vs Pate
godfather / patron
'Pate' and 'Täufer' both belong to the context of a baptism, but they have different roles. The 'Täufer' performs the baptism, meaning the religious act. The 'Pate' is present at the baptism as a witness and takes responsibility for the child, especially in Christian upbringing. The words can be confused because both people can be important at the same ceremony. In practical terms: the Täufer baptizes; the Pate accompanies and supports.
Täufer
Der Täufer sprach ein Gebet und taufte das Kind vor der Gemeinde.
The baptizer said a prayer and baptized the child in front of the congregation.
Pate
Mein Bruder wird bei der Taufe seines Neffen der Pate sein.
My brother will be the godfather at his nephew's baptism.
In real life
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