vicar
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vicar
In the Catholic and Protestant churches, a theologian who, after completing their studies, undergoes practical training to become a pastor or priest (the vicariate) and supports an experienced pastor or priest during this time.
Der neue Vikar wird sich im Gottesdienst am Sonntag der Gemeinde vorstellen.
The new vicar will introduce himself to the congregation during the service on Sunday.
The word 'der Vikar' (the vicar) is closely connected with 'das Vikariat' (the vicariate). The vicariate is the practical training period that a vicar completes in order to become a pastor or priest.
Er beginnt nächsten Monat sein Vikariat in einer kleinen Gemeinde.
He is starting his vicariate in a small congregation next month.
This word is used almost exclusively in the religious context of the Catholic or Protestant church. It describes an official stage in the training to become a priest or pastor.
Der Vikar unterstützt den Pfarrer bei der Vorbereitung des Gottesdienstes.
The vicar supports the pastor in preparing the church service.
Common formulations are 'als Vikar arbeiten' (to work as a vicar), 'der Vikar einer Gemeinde sein' (to be the vicar of a congregation), or 'einem Pfarrer als Vikar zugeteilt werden' (to be assigned to a pastor as a vicar).
Er arbeitet seit einem Jahr als Vikar in der Stadtkirche.
He has been working as a vicar in the city church for a year.
pastor
'der Pfarrer' and 'der Vikar' can both refer to people in a Christian congregation who prepare church services and do pastoral work. The important difference is their position and training. A Pfarrer is already ordained and often leads a congregation. A Vikar is still in practical training to become a pastor and supports an experienced pastor during this time. Learners may confuse the words because both appear in everyday church life. In practice: for responsible leadership, you are more likely to say 'Pfarrer'; for the training period, 'Vikar' is more likely.
Frau Schmidt hilft dem Vikar bei der Vorbereitung des Kindergottesdienstes.
Mrs. Schmidt helps the vicar prepare the children's service.
Der Pfarrer spricht heute mit den Eltern über die Taufe.
The pastor is speaking with the parents today about the baptism.