der  Apostel

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/aˈpɔstl̩/

📖 What does "der Apostel" mean?

The German word der Apostel (masculine) primarily refers to one of several specific meanings:

• In Christianity: One of the twelve original disciples of Jesus Christ, chosen and sent out by him to spread the Gospel (e.g., Peter, Paul). Paul is often referred to as an Apostel, although he was not one of the original twelve.
• Figuratively: A passionate advocate, pioneer, or promoter of a particular doctrine, idea, or movement. Someone who champions a cause with great conviction.

The noun only uses the masculine article der. The feminine form is die Apostelin.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Apostel

The noun "Apostel" is masculine and follows the N-declension (schwache Maskulina), except in the genitive singular, where it often appears without the -n (des Apostels), although 'des Aposteln' is considered more standard.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die zwölf Apostel folgten Jesus nach.
   (The twelve apostles followed Jesus.)
2. Die Schriften des Apostels Paulus sind zentral für das Christentum.
   (The writings of the Apostle Paul are central to Christianity.) (also: des Aposteln)
3. Er gilt als Apostel der modernen Kunst.
   (He is considered an apostle of modern art.)
4. Wir gedachten den Aposteln in der Kirche.
   (We commemorated the apostles in the church.)
5. Viele kennen die Namen der Apostel nicht mehr.
   (Many no longer know the names of the apostles.)

🗣️ How "Apostel" is used

The term der Apostel is primarily used in the religious context of Christianity to refer to the original disciples of Jesus or Paul. Its use here is clearly defined and rooted in history and theology.

In its figurative sense, the word is used to characterize individuals who advocate for an idea, movement, or art form with missionary zeal. This usage is somewhat elevated and sometimes intended slightly ironically or hyperbolically.

• Religious Context: "Die Berufung der Apostel ist ein Schlüsselereignis im Neuen Testament." (The calling of the apostles is a key event in the New Testament.)
• Figurative Context: "Er war ein wahrer Apostel des Umweltschutzes." (He was a true apostle of environmental protection.)

Compared to Jünger (disciple, follower), Apostel emphasizes being sent out and authorized to spread a teaching.

🧠 Mnemonics for "Apostel"

For the article: Think of the strong apostle Peter - he's a man (masculine), so it's der Apostel. Remember: Der Mann, der Apostel.

For the meaning: An Apostel is like someone who delivers important 'post' (die Post = mail/message) from God. They were sent out (abgestellt) to deliver this 'post'. Or, think of the English word 'apostle' itself - it's very similar!

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms (words with similar meaning):

• Jünger: (In religious context) Disciple or follower, less specific than Apostel.
• Sendbote: Messenger, envoy; emphasizes the mission of being sent; more general than Apostel.
• Gesandter: Similar to Sendbote, often used in a diplomatic context (envoy).
• Verkünder: Proclaimer, herald; someone who makes a message or teaching public.
• Verfechter: (Figurative sense) Advocate, champion; someone who strongly supports an idea.
• Pionier: (Figurative sense) Pioneer; someone who opens up a new field or starts a new movement.

Antonyms (opposites):

Direct antonyms are difficult. One might think of opponents or critics:

• Gegner / Widersacher: Opponent / adversary; someone fighting against the teaching or movement.
• Kritiker: Critic; someone questioning the doctrine or idea.
• Abtrünniger: Apostate, renegade; someone turning away from the teaching (e.g., Judas Iscariot in contrast to the faithful apostles).

Similar potentially misleading words:

• Prophet: Receives and proclaims divine revelations, but not necessarily a direct disciple or emissary like an Apostel.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum nahmen die Apostel immer einen Ersatzfisch mit zum Predigen?

Falls der erste "vom Haken springt"! 😉

Translation:

Why did the apostles always take a spare fish with them when preaching?

In case the first one "jumps off the hook"! 😉 (A pun, as many apostles were fishermen)

📜 Poem about the Apostle

Der Apostel

Gesandt mit Wort und festem Mut,
Trägt er die Lehr', entfacht die Glut.
Zwölf an der Zahl, doch viele mehr,
Verbreiten Hoffnung kreuz und quer.

Ein Apostel, stark und rein,
Soll für die Botschaft Zeuge sein.
Ob früh im Glauben, spät erkannt,
Reicht er der Wahrheit feste Hand.

Translation:

The Apostle

Sent with word and steady courage,
He carries the teaching, ignites the fire.
Twelve in number, yet many more,
Spread hope far and wide.

An Apostel, strong and pure,
Shall be a witness for the message.
Whether early in faith, or recognized late,
He extends a firm hand to the truth.

🕵️ Who am I? A Riddle

Ich war einer von zwölf, von Jesus gesandt,
Meine Botschaft trug ich durch das ganze Land.
Manchmal steh' ich auch für einen Vorkämpfer heut',
Der für seine Idee sich einsetzt und freut.

Wer bin ich? (Lösung: Der Apostel)

Translation:

I was one of twelve, sent by Jesus,
I carried my message throughout the land.
Sometimes today I also stand for a champion,
Who advocates for their idea with joy.

Who am I? (Answer: Der Apostel / The Apostle)

💡 Other Information

Etymology (Word Origin):

The word "Apostel" comes from the Greek word ἀπόστολος (apóstolos), meaning "one who is sent off," "messenger," or "envoy." It derives from the verb ἀποστέλλειν (apostéllein), meaning "to send off" or "to send away."

Trivia:

• Although the most famous are the twelve apostles of Jesus, Paul is also often referred to as the "Apostle to the Gentiles" (Apostel der Heiden).
• The Acts of the Apostles (Die Apostelgeschichte) in the New Testament describes the actions of some apostles after Jesus' ascension.
• The symbol for the apostles is often a ship or a fishing net, as many of them were fishermen.