secular
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secular
Refers to the earthly, material world and not to religious, church, or spiritual matters. The opposite of 'geistlich' (clerical/spiritual).
Die Trennung von Kirche und Staat sorgt dafür, dass die Regierung weltliche Entscheidungen trifft.
The separation of church and state ensures that the government makes secular decisions.
The adjective 'weltlich' (secular) is derived from the noun 'die Welt' (the world). The ending '-lich' turns the noun into an adjective and means something like 'related to the world' or 'belonging to the world.'
Er entschied sich für ein weltliches Leben außerhalb des Klosters.
He chose a secular life outside the monastery.
'Weltlich' (secular) is often used to describe nouns that stand in contrast to something religious or spiritual. Common combinations are 'weltliche Macht' (secular power), 'weltliche Musik' (secular music), 'weltliche Güter' (worldly goods), or 'weltliche Freuden' (worldly pleasures).
Im Mittelalter gab es oft Konflikte zwischen der kirchlichen und der weltlichen Macht.
In the Middle Ages, there were often conflicts between church power and secular power.
This word is often found in texts about history, politics, philosophy, or art. It is used to make a clear distinction between state or social matters and church or religious matters.
Die Diskussion drehte sich um die Rolle der Religion in einer modernen, weltlichen Gesellschaft.
The discussion revolved around the role of religion in a modern, secular society.
secular
Both words can describe a nonreligious orientation. Weltlich is broader and can also refer to the earthly or material sphere, while säkular particularly emphasizes the separation of the state, institutions, or public life from religion. For this social context, säkular is usually more precise.
Die Schule ist weltlich und unterrichtet verschiedene Religionen ohne kirchliche Bindung.
The school is secular and teaches about different religions without being affiliated with a church.
Der Staat ist säkular und behandelt religiöse Gemeinschaften nach denselben Regeln.
The state is secular and treats religious communities according to the same rules.
