der  Priester

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈpʁiːstɐ/

⛪ What does "der Priester" mean?

Der Priester is the German word for a priest. It refers to a man who is ordained or called in many religions (especially Christianity, but also others) to perform religious ceremonies, lead services, administer sacraments, and act as a spiritual intermediary between God and the faithful.

In Christianity, specifically in the Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican churches, a Priester is an ordained minister who, among other things, celebrates the Eucharist and hears confessions. In Protestantism, the term is used less frequently; here, one usually speaks of a Pfarrer or Pastor, emphasizing the priesthood of all believers.

The female form is die Priesterin (priestess), although this office does not exist or is not recognized in all denominations and religions (e.g., there are no female priests in Catholicism).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: Der Priester

The word Priester is a masculine noun. It uses the article der. It follows the regular declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in -er.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Priester segnete die Gemeinde am Ende des Gottesdienstes. (The priest blessed the congregation at the end of the service.)
2. Die Worte des Priesters spendeten vielen Menschen Trost. (The priest's words gave comfort to many people.)
3. Sie vertraute dem Priester ihre Sorgen an. (She confided her worries to the priest.)
4. Wir sahen den Priester gestern auf dem Marktplatz. (We saw the priest in the marketplace yesterday.)
5. Die Priester der Diözese trafen sich zu einer Konferenz. (The priests of the diocese met for a conference.)
6. Die Ausbildung der Priester dauert viele Jahre. (The training of the priests takes many years.)
7. Der Bischof sprach mit den Priestern über ihre Aufgaben. (The bishop spoke with the priests about their duties.)
8. Die Gemeinde respektiert die Priester sehr. (The congregation respects the priests very much.)

🗣️ How to use "Priester"?

The term Priester is mainly used in a religious context.

• Religious Context: Most commonly, Priester refers to an ordained man in Christianity (Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican) or in other religions with a priesthood (e.g., Hinduism, ancient religions).
• Distinction: In Protestantism, the terms Pfarrer or Pastor are more common. While a Pfarrer often also has administrative duties in a parish, the focus of Priester is more on the sacred, liturgical function.
• Female Form: Die Priesterin is used for women in this office where it exists (e.g., in some Anglican communities, Old Catholic churches, or non-Christian religions).
• Metaphorical Use: Rarely, Priester can be used metaphorically to describe someone who serves a cause (e.g., an art or science) with great devotion, almost like a cult. Example: "Er war ein Priester der reinen Vernunft." (He was a priest of pure reason.) However, this is rather elevated or literary language.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: A Priester is typically a man (masculine), so use der Priester.

Meaning Mnemonic: Think of "priest" in English – it sounds somewhat similar to Priester. Also, you could link it to the English word "praise" – a Priester praises God.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

😂 A Little Joke

Ein kleiner Junge fragt den Priester: "Beten Sie für mich?"
Der Priester: "Ja, mein Sohn, jeden Tag."
Der Junge: "Gut, dann brauche ich ja nicht mehr selbst zu beten!"

A little boy asks the priest: "Do you pray for me?"
The priest: "Yes, my son, every day."
The boy: "Good, then I don't need to pray myself anymore!"

📜 A Short Poem

Der Priester spricht mit sanftem Wort,
an diesem heil'gen, alten Ort.
Er segnet Brot, er spendet Wein,
lässt Glauben in die Herzen ein.
Für Seelen sorgt er, groß und klein,
so soll es immer sein.

The priest speaks with gentle word,
In this holy, ancient stead.
He blesses bread, he offers wine,
Lets faith into the heart entwine.
For souls he cares, both large and small,
Thus it should always be for all.

❓ Who am I? A Riddle

Ich trage oft ein langes Gewand,
steh' am Altar, reich' meine Hand.
Ich spreche Worte, alt und hehr,
und diene Gott, was will man mehr?

Wer bin ich? Lösung: Der Priester

I often wear a long robe,
Stand at the altar, extend my hand.
I speak words, old and venerable,
And serve God, what more could one want?

Who am I?
Answer: The Priest (der Priester)

💡 More Interesting Facts about Priester

• Etymology: The word Priester comes from the Greek word presbýteros (πρεσβύτερος), meaning "elder". It entered German via the Latin presbyter.
• Celibacy (Zölibat): In the Roman Catholic Church, priests are celibate, meaning they do not marry and live chastely. In other denominations (e.g., Orthodox, Anglican, Old Catholic), priests may marry.
• Hierarchy (Hierarchie): Within many churches, there is a hierarchy. In Catholicism, the bishop ranks above the priest, and the Pope ranks above the bishop.