der
Prediger
🗣️ What does "der Prediger" mean?
The German noun der Prediger refers to a male person who delivers a sermon (eine Predigt). This usually happens within the context of a church service (Gottesdienst) or a religious gathering (religiöse Versammlung). The main task of a Prediger is the proclamation and interpretation of religious doctrines or holy scriptures.
It is a masculine noun. The feminine form is die Predigerin.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Male characters → always masculine.
Caution: Most professions also have their feminine forms (e.g. die Polizistin). Some words can also have two forms: der/die Deutsche, der/die Kranke.
-er → mostly masculine.
1. Caution: many exceptions. 2. almost all -euer nouns are neutral. 3. There are many -er words, we don't list them all.
🧐 Grammar of "der Prediger" in Detail
"Prediger" is a masculine noun. Here are the declension tables:
Singular Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Prediger |
| Genitive | des | Predigers |
| Dative | dem | Prediger |
| Accusative | den | Prediger |
Plural Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Prediger |
| Genitive | der | Prediger |
| Dative | den | Predigern |
| Accusative | die | Prediger |
Example Sentences
- Der Prediger sprach über Nächstenliebe. (The preacher spoke about charity/neighbourly love.)
- Die Gemeinde hörte den Worten des Predigers aufmerksam zu. (The congregation listened attentively to the preacher's words.)
- Wir gaben dem Prediger nach dem Gottesdienst die Hand. (We shook hands with the preacher after the service.)
- Viele Menschen schätzen den charismatischen Prediger. (Many people appreciate the charismatic preacher.)
- Die Prediger verschiedener Gemeinden trafen sich zu einer Konferenz. (The preachers from different congregations met for a conference.)
💡 How "Prediger" is used
The term "Prediger" is primarily used in a religious context. It describes the person delivering the main speech (Predigt - sermon) in a religious service (Gottesdienst). This could be a Pfarrer (pastor/vicar), Pastor, Imam, Rabbi, or another authorized person, depending on the religious community.
Sometimes, the term is used figuratively or ironically for someone who speaks in a very moralizing or lecturing way, even outside a religious setting (e.g., "Moralprediger" - moral preacher). However, this usage is less common and often carries a negative connotation.
Typical Collocations:
🧠 Mnemonics for "der Prediger"
Article Mnemonic: Think: A Prediger (preacher) is typically a man (masculine role), so use the masculine article "der".
Meaning Mnemonic: A Prediger does what the related verb predigen (to preach) suggests: He preaches. The noun is directly derived from the verb.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Geistlicher: General term for a cleric or member of the clergy.
- Pfarrer / Pastor: Specific titles for ministers in Christian churches.
- Redner: General term for a speaker (not necessarily religious).
- Verkündiger: Someone who proclaims a message (often religious); proclaimer.
- Kanzelredner: Emphasizes the place of the sermon (Kanzel - pulpit); pulpit orator.
Watch out for confusion: Not every Redner (speaker) is a Prediger. A Prediger usually has a specific religious function.
😂 A Little Joke
Ein Kind fragt den Prediger: "Sagen Sie mal, müssen Sie eigentlich alles glauben, was Sie da erzählen?"
(A child asks the preacher: "Tell me, do you actually have to believe everything you preach about?")
📜 Poem about the Prediger
Auf der Kanzel, hoch und hehr,
Steht der Prediger, spricht so sehr
Von Glauben, Hoffnung, Gottes Wort,
An diesem stillen, heil'gen Ort.
Seine Stimme füllt den Raum,
Verkündet einen alten Traum.
(In the pulpit, high and solemn,
Stands the preacher, speaks so often
Of faith, of hope, of God's own word,
In this quiet, sacred world.
His voice resonates through the space,
Proclaiming an ancient grace (lit: dream).)
🧩 Who am I? A Riddle
Ich spreche oft von oben herab,
Nicht aus Stolz, das ist kein Klapp.
Mein Arbeitsplatz ist meist geweiht,
Ich spreche von der Ewigkeit.
Ich lege Schriften aus und lehre,
Dass man das Gute sucht und ehre.
(I often speak from up above,
Not out of pride, it's not a bluff.
My workplace is usually blessed,
I speak of eternity's test.
I interpret scriptures and I teach,
That goodness one should seek and reach.)
Who am I?
Solution
Der Prediger (The Preacher)
✨ Other Information
Word Origin: The word "Prediger" derives from Old High German "predigāri", which in turn comes from the Latin "praedicātor" (proclaimer, public announcer). It is closely related to the verb "predigen" (to preach), from Latin "praedicāre" (to proclaim publicly, praise, announce).
Famous Preachers: Throughout history, there have been many influential preachers, such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, or Billy Graham, who shaped societies and denominations through their sermons.
The Book of Ecclesiastes: There is also a book in the Old Testament of the Bible called "Prediger" or "Kohelet" in German (Ecclesiastes in English). It contains philosophical reflections on the meaning of life.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Prediger?
The word "Prediger" is always masculine. The correct article is der Prediger. The feminine form is "die Predigerin", and the plural is "die Prediger".