der  Bischof

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈbɪʃɔf/

⛪️ What exactly is a 'Bischof'?

Der Bischof (plural: die Bischöfe) refers to a high-ranking clergyman in many Christian churches, especially the Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican churches. He is usually the head of a diocese (ein Bistum) and has important administrative and spiritual duties.

The role often includes:

• Ordaining priests (die Priesterweihe)
• Confirmation (die Firmung)
• Leading church services (die Leitung von Gottesdiensten)
• Administering church affairs in his area of responsibility

The word is exclusively used with the masculine article der because it refers to a male office holder. ⚠️ While female bishops (die Bischöfin, plural: die Bischöfinnen) exist in some Protestant churches, they are specifically referred to using the feminine form.

Article rules for der, die, and das

The Grammar of 'der Bischof' 🧐

The noun 'Bischof' is masculine. It mostly follows the weak N-declension in the singular, except for the genitive case, which is strong (-s). In the plural, it follows the weak declension (-en for dative, -e for others).

Example Sentences

1. Der Bischof hält eine Predigt. (The bishop gives a sermon.)
2. Das Gewand des Bischofs ist prachtvoll. (The bishop's robe is magnificent.)
3. Wir hörten dem Bischof aufmerksam zu. (We listened attentively to the bishop.)
4. Sie trafen den Bischof nach der Messe. (They met the bishop after mass.)
5. Die Bischöfe der Region versammelten sich. (The bishops of the region gathered.)
6. Die Entscheidung der Bischöfe wurde erwartet. (The bishops' decision was awaited.)
7. Der Papst sprach zu den Bischöfen. (The Pope spoke to the bishops.)
8. Man konnte die Bischöfe in ihren Amtstrachten sehen. (One could see the bishops in their vestments.)

Usage in Conversation 🗣️

The term 'Bischof' is mainly used in religious and ecclesiastical contexts. People talk about bishops in connection with:

• Church ceremonies and services (kirchliche Zeremonien und Gottesdienste)
• The administration of dioceses (die Verwaltung von Bistümern)
• Church hierarchies (e.g., below the Pope, above priests)
• Historical events where bishops played a role
• Discussions about church doctrine or decisions

In everyday language outside this context, the word is less common, except perhaps in fixed expressions or when discussing religion and society. It is clearly distinguished from a Priester (priest, typically works at the parish level) or the Papst (Pope, head of the Catholic Church).

How to Remember 'der Bischof'? 🧠

Mnemonic for the Article:

Think of a typical authority figure, often male ('der'). Der Bischof is like der chief of the local church area. 'Schof' sounds a bit like 'chief'.

Mnemonic for the Meaning:

A Bischof is like a BIG SHOP owner for the soul – overseeing a large area ('diocese'). Or think of him looking over his 'sheep' (parishioners), like a shepherd. Bi-schof -> By the sheep.

Similar and Opposite Terms 🔄

Related Terms:

• Erzbischof: (Archbishop) A bishop of higher rank, often head of an ecclesiastical province.
• Bistum/Diözese: (Diocese) The administrative district of a bishop.
• Bischofsstab: (Crosier) Symbol of the bishop's pastoral authority.
• Mitra: (Mitre) The traditional liturgical headdress of a bishop.
• Bischöfin: (Female bishop) Used in denominations that ordain women to the episcopate.

A Little Joke 😄

Fragt ein Tourist den Bischof: "Entschuldigen Sie, Hochwürden, wie komme ich am schnellsten zum Bahnhof?"
Der Bischof überlegt kurz und sagt: "Mein Sohn, der schnellste Weg ist meist der des Gebets, aber in diesem Fall würde ich Ihnen raten, einfach die Straße runterzugehen und dann links abzubiegen."

Translation: A tourist asks the bishop: "Excuse me, Your Reverence, what's the quickest way to the train station?"
The bishop thinks for a moment and says: "My son, the quickest way is usually prayer, but in this case, I'd advise you to just go down the street and then turn left."

A Poem About the 'Bischof' 📜

Der Bischof, würdig, alt und weise,
Tritt vor den Altar, spricht ganz leise.
Mit Stab und Mitra, festlich schön,
Sieht man ihn durch die Kirche geh'n.
Er segnet Land und Leut' im Chor,
Ein Hirte vor dem Himmelstor.

Translation:
The Bishop, dignified, old and wise,
Steps to the altar, speaks with soft cries (voice).
With staff and mitre, festive bright,
One sees him walk through the church's light.
He blesses land and people all,
A shepherd standing at heaven's call.

Little Riddle 🤔

Ich trage einen Stab, doch wandre nicht weit,
Hab Schäfchen zu hüten zu jeder Zeit.
Mein Hut ist spitz, mein Amt ist alt,
In Kirche und Bistum hab' ich Gestalt.

Wer bin ich?

Translation:
I carry a staff, but don't wander far,
Have little sheep to tend, wherever they are.
My hat is pointed, my office is old,
In church and diocese, my story is told.

Who am I?
(Answer: Der Bischof / The Bishop)

Other Interesting Facts 💡

• Etymology: The word 'Bischof' comes from the Greek word ἐπίσκοπος (epískopos), meaning 'overseer', 'guardian', or 'superintendent'. It entered German via Latin (episcopus).
• Chess Piece: In chess, the piece that moves diagonally is called 'Läufer' in German. Interestingly, its English name is 'Bishop'.
• Bischofsbrot: A type of sweet fruitcake or fruit bread. The name ('Bishop's bread') possibly alludes to the rich, 'episcopal' endowment with fruits and nuts.