die
Pfarre
📖 What exactly is a Pfarre?
The word Pfarre (sometimes also written Pfarrei) is a feminine noun (die Pfarre) and primarily refers to two things:
- ⛪ The administrative district of a pastor or priest (Pfarrer) within a church (mostly Catholic or Protestant). It encompasses all the faithful living in this area who are pastorally cared for by this priest/pastor. This is also called a Pfarrgemeinde (parish community).
- 🏠 The rectory or vicarage (Pfarrhaus), meaning the residential and often administrative building of the priest/pastor. The usage of Pfarre for the building varies regionally; often, the more specific term Pfarrhaus is used.
⚠️ Note: The spelling Pfarrei is also very common and means the same as Pfarre in the sense of the administrative district.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-e/-ee → almost always feminine.
There are many -e nouns, many of which are feminine, but there are also some important exceptions.
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Pfarre
The word Pfarre is a feminine noun. The article is die.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Pfarre |
| Genitive | der | Pfarre |
| Dative | der | Pfarre |
| Accusative | die | Pfarre |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Pfarren |
| Genitive | der | Pfarren |
| Dative | den | Pfarren |
| Accusative | die | Pfarren |
📝 Example Sentences
- Unsere Pfarre umfasst drei Dörfer. (Our parish includes three villages.)
- Der neue Pfarrer zieht bald in die Pfarre ein. (The new pastor will soon move into the rectory. - Here meaning the building)
- Die Verwaltung der Pfarre ist sehr aufwendig. (The administration of the parish is very complex.)
- In vielen Pfarren gibt es engagierte Gemeindemitglieder. (In many parishes, there are dedicated community members.)
🗣️ How to use Pfarre?
The term Pfarre is used almost exclusively in a church or religious context. It describes a fundamental administrative unit within many Christian churches.
- In conversation: One speaks of belonging to a Pfarre ("Ich gehöre zur Pfarre St. Josef" - I belong to St. Joseph's parish) or of parish events ("Das Pfarrfest findet nächste Woche statt" - The parish festival takes place next week).
- Geographically/Administratively: The Pfarre denotes a clearly defined area with an associated church (Pfarrkirche - parish church) and often a rectory (Pfarrhaus).
- Distinction:
- Kirche: Primarily refers to the building or the institution as a whole.
- Gemeinde: Can be a religious community (Pfarrgemeinde) or a political administrative unit (municipality). Pfarre is more specific to the church administrative structure.
- Pfarrei: Is a common synonym for Pfarre (administrative district), especially in Catholic contexts.
🧠 Mnemonics for Pfarre
For the article die: Think of other feminine administrative or community-related nouns ending in -e, like die Gemeinde (community/municipality), die Behörde (authority). Die Pfarre fits this pattern.
For the meaning: Imagine the Pfarrer (pastor) having to fahren (to drive/travel) a lot within his Pfarre (parish area) to reach everyone. Or think of it as the place where the Pfarrer lives (rectory meaning).
↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms
Same or Similar Meaning (Synonyms)
- Pfarrei: Very common synonym, often preferred in Catholic contexts.
- Pfarrgemeinde: Emphasizes the community of believers more.
- Kirchgemeinde: Similar to Pfarrgemeinde, often used in Protestant contexts.
- Pfarrsprengel: Also refers to the district/area, often in Protestant contexts.
- Pfarrhaus: Specifically for the building (one of the meanings of Pfarre).
Opposite Meanings (Antonyms)
- Diözese / Bistum: A larger administrative unit comprising several parishes (higher hierarchical level). Diocese.
- Säkular / Weltlich: Secular / worldly - terms referring to non-religious domains.
- Diaspora: Describes believers living scattered outside the core area of their religious community (opposite of a defined parish structure).
⚠️ Similar but Different Words
😂 A Little Joke
Fragt der Bischof den Pfarrer: "Wie schaffen Sie es nur, bei dem Lärm von der Hauptstraße neben Ihrer Pfarre zu schlafen?" Antwortet der Pfarrer: "Ganz einfach, Hochwürden. Ich zähle statt Schäfchen einfach die Autos, die vorbeifahren. Bei 5000 bin ich meistens eingeschlafen."
Translation: The bishop asks the pastor: "How do you manage to sleep with the noise from the main road next to your rectory?" The pastor replies: "Quite easily, Your Excellency. Instead of counting sheep, I just count the cars driving by. I'm usually asleep by 5000."
📜 A Poem about the Pfarre
Die Pfarre, klein und alt,
im Dorfe hat sie festen Halt.
Der Turm ragt hoch, die Glocke klingt,
ein Lied, das Trost und Hoffnung bringt.
Der Pfarrer grüßt, die Tür steht offen,
für alle, die da kommen, hoffen.
Ein Ort der Stille, des Gebets,
wo man Gemeinschaft stets erlebt.
Translation:
The parish, small and old,
in the village, its story told.
The tower stands high, the bell resounds,
a song of comfort hope surrounds.
The pastor greets, the door's ajar,
for all who come, from near or far.
A place of quiet, prayer's soft sound,
where fellowship is always found.
❓ A Little Riddle
Ich hab ein Haus, doch wohn' nicht immer drin,
bin ein Gebiet, wo Gläubige sind.
Ein Pfarrer oft mein Leiter ist,
mich gibt's in fast jeder Frist
in Dorf und Stadt, mal groß, mal klein.
Sag, wer mag ich wohl sein?
Translation:
I have a house, but don't always live there,
I am an area where believers share.
A pastor often leads my way,
I exist almost every day
In town and village, large or small.
Tell me, what am I called by all?
(Solution: die Pfarre / the parish)
💡 Other Interesting Facts
- Etymology: The word "Pfarre" comes from Middle High German "pfarre", which in turn derives from Late Latin "parochia" or "parrochia". This originates from the Greek "paroikía" (παροικία), meaning "sojourn" or "community of strangers", later evolving to mean "parish" or "church district".
- Administrative Structure: Parishes (Pfarren) are often grouped into deaneries (Dekanate) or church districts (Kirchenkreise), which in turn belong to a diocese (Diözese/Bistum) or regional church (Landeskirche).
- Pfarrbrief: Many parishes regularly publish a Pfarrbrief, a newsletter with information about church services, events, and news from the community.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Pfarre?
The word Pfarre is feminine. The correct article is die Pfarre. It refers to the administrative district of a pastor (parish) or the pastor's residence (rectory/vicarage).