das
Pfarrhaus
⛪ What exactly is a Pfarrhaus?
The word Pfarrhaus (neuter noun, article das) refers to the residence and often also the office building of a Pfarrer (male pastor/priest) or a Pfarrerin (female pastor/priest) of a church parish (Kirchengemeinde). It is typically located in close proximity to the church (Kirche).
So, it's the house (Haus) of the pastor (Pfarrer). Sometimes administrative tasks of the parish are also handled here.
🧐 Grammar: Declension of 'das Pfarrhaus'
The word 'Pfarrhaus' is a neuter noun. Here are the declension tables:
| Case | Article | Noun | (English Case) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | das | Pfarrhaus | (Subject) |
| Genitive | des | Pfarrhauses | (Possessive) |
| Dative | dem | Pfarrhaus / Pfarrhause | (Indirect Object) |
| Accusative | das | Pfarrhaus | (Direct Object) |
| Case | Article | Noun | (English Case) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Pfarrhäuser | (Subject) |
| Genitive | der | Pfarrhäuser | (Possessive) |
| Dativ | den | Pfarrhäusern | (Indirect Object) |
| Accusative | die | Pfarrhäuser | (Direct Object) |
Example Sentences
- Das alte Pfarrhaus steht unter Denkmalschutz. (The old rectory is a listed building.)
- Die Renovierung des Pfarrhauses dauerte mehrere Monate. (The renovation of the rectory took several months.)
- Im Pfarrhaus findet heute der Gemeindeabend statt. (The community evening takes place in the rectory today.)
- Wir besuchten das neu gebaute Pfarrhaus. (We visited the newly built rectory.)
- Die Pfarrhäuser in dieser Region sind oft sehr alt. (The rectories in this region are often very old.)
📍 Everyday Usage
'Das Pfarrhaus' is clearly used in German for the residence of the clergyperson of a parish. It's a fixed term in ecclesiastical and often local contexts.
- Context: Mostly used in relation to church (Kirche), parish/community (Gemeinde), village life (Dorfleben), architecture, or history.
- Distinction: Not to be confused with 'Kirche' (the church building for worship) or 'Gemeindehaus' (community hall for parish events, which might be part of the Pfarrhaus or a separate building). The 'Pfarramt' or 'Pfarrbüro' (parish office) might be located in the Pfarrhaus, but primarily refers to the administrative office itself.
- Regional variations: Sometimes called 'Pastorat', especially in Northern Germany.
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
Article mnemonic: Think of 'das Haus' (the house). A Pfarrhaus is also a type of house, and 'Haus' is neuter (das Haus). Therefore: das Pfarrhaus.
Meaning mnemonic: Who lives in the Pfarrhaus? The Pfarrer (pastor)! It's his Haus (house). Combine 'Pfarrer' + 'Haus' = Pfarrhaus (pastor's house, i.e., rectory/parsonage).
↔️ Similar and Opposing Terms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Pastorat: Often used synonymously, especially in Northern Germany (pastorate).
- Pfarrhof: Sometimes used if farm buildings are also part of the property (parsonage farm).
- Pfarrwohnung: Emphasizes the purely residential aspect (pastor's apartment/flat).
Antonyms (contextual opposites):
- Kirche: The house of worship (church).
- Gemeindehaus: Often a separate building for community events (parish hall/community center).
- Weltliches Wohnhaus: A regular residential house without a church connection (secular dwelling).
⚠️ Caution: The 'Pfarramt' is the administrative office/authority, not necessarily the building itself, although it's often housed in the Pfarrhaus.
😄 A Little Joke
Fragt ein Tourist den Pfarrer: "Ist das Ihr Haus?"
Antwortet der Pfarrer bescheiden: "Ich wohne hier nur, das Pfarrhaus gehört der Gemeinde."
Fragt der Tourist weiter: "Und die große Kirche nebenan?"
Pfarrer: "Die gehört Gott."
Tourist: "Und der schicke Mercedes vor der Tür?"
Pfarrer: "Ach, der gehört mir."
Translation:
A tourist asks the pastor: "Is this your house?"
The pastor replies humbly: "I only live here; the rectory belongs to the parish."
The tourist asks further: "And the big church next door?"
Pastor: "That belongs to God."
Tourist: "And the fancy Mercedes parked out front?"
Pastor: "Oh, that one's mine."
📜 A Poem about the Pfarrhaus
Am Kirchplatz, alt und fest,
steht es, hat bestanden manchen Test.
Das Pfarrhaus, still und schlicht,
spendet Schatten, spendet Licht.
Mauern, die Geschichten raunen,
von Freud und Leid, von stillem Staunen.
Hier wohnt der Hirte seiner Schar,
Jahr für Jahr, ganz wunderbar.
Translation:
By the church square, old and strong,
It stands, having passed many a test along.
The rectory, quiet and plain,
Gives shade, gives light, again and again.
Walls that whisper tales of yore,
Of joy and sorrow, quiet awe.
Here dwells the shepherd of his flock,
Year by year, around the clock.
❓ A Little Riddle
Ich steh oft nah am Glockenturm,
biete Schutz bei Wind und Sturm.
Der Pfarrer nennt mich sein Zuhaus,
mal schlicht, mal prächtig sieht's hier aus.
Was bin ich?
Translation:
I often stand near the bell tower's might,
Offer shelter from wind and storm's plight.
The pastor calls me his home address,
Sometimes simple, sometimes grand, I must confess.
What am I?
Solution: Das Pfarrhaus (the rectory/parsonage)
💡 Other Information
Word Composition:
The word 'Pfarrhaus' is a compound noun, composed of:
- Pfarre/Pfarrei: Originally an administrative district of the church, led by a Pfarrer (parish).
- Haus: Building for living or specific purposes (house).
Historical Significance: Pfarrhäuser (rectories) were often centers of village or town life and cultural meeting points. Many old rectories are now listed buildings (stehen unter Denkmalschutz) and are architecturally interesting.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Pfarrhaus?
The word 'Pfarrhaus' is a neuter noun. The correct article is always das. It refers to the residence and office building of a pastor or priest (rectory or parsonage).