die  Synode

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈzyːnoːdə/

⛪ What exactly is a 'Synode'?

The German word die Synode (feminine, plural: die Synoden) refers to an assembly or council of church dignitaries or representatives (bishops, priests, laity) who come together to discuss and decide on important matters of doctrine, administration, or church life.

You can think of it as a kind of church parliament or an important conference. The term originates from the Greek (synodos), meaning “meeting” or “common way”.

There are different types of *Synoden* (synods), e.g.:

• Diözesansynode: at the level of a diocese.
• Partikularsynode/Provinzialsynode: for a church province or region.
• Generalsynode/Ökumenisches Konzil: for the entire church (or a large part of it). ('Konzil' is often used for ecumenical councils).

⚠️ Be careful not to confuse it with a Synagoge (Jewish house of worship).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: Die Synode

The word “Synode” is a feminine noun, so it uses the article die.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die Synode tagte drei Tage lang, um über die neue Gottesdienstordnung zu beraten.
   (The synod met for three days to discuss the new order of service.)
2. Die Beschlüsse der Synode wurden anschließend veröffentlicht.
   (The decisions of the synod were subsequently published.)
3. Der Bischof lud Vertreter aller Gemeinden zu der Synode ein.
   (The bishop invited representatives from all congregations to the synod.)
4. Man erwartete wichtige Entscheidungen von den Synoden der Landeskirchen.
   (Important decisions were expected from the synods of the regional churches.)

🗣️ How to Use 'Synode'?

The term 'Synode' is primarily used in ecclesiastical and religious contexts, both historically and currently. It refers to specific forms of assembly within Christian churches (Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox).

• Typical uses: eine Synode einberufen (to convene a synod), an einer Synode teilnehmen (to participate in a synod), die Beschlüsse der Synode (the decisions of the synod), die Synode tagt (the synod is in session).
• Distinction: While 'Synode' often refers to regular or regional assemblies, 'Konzil' (council, especially 'Ökumenisches Konzil' for ecumenical council) is more often used for church-wide, particularly significant assemblies (e.g., the Second Vatican Council). However, the terms can overlap.
• Context: You'll find the word in theological texts, canon law documents, historical treatises, and reporting on church events.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'Synode'

Article Mnemonic: Many German nouns ending in -e are feminine, especially abstract or collective ones. Think of *die Kirche* (the church), *die Gemeinde* (the congregation)... and also die Synode.

Meaning Mnemonic: Think of "Synchronize" (together) and "Node" (a meeting point). A *Synode* is where people synchronize at a central node (meeting point) to discuss things together.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

🚨 Watch out for Misleading Words:

• Synagoge: (Synagogue) - Jewish house of worship and assembly. Sounds similar but has a completely different meaning and origin.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum dauert eine Synode manchmal so lange?
(Why does a synod sometimes take so long?)

Weil jeder Synodale seinen Senf dazugeben möchte – und manche bringen gleich das ganze Gewürzregal mit!
(Because every synod member wants to add their two cents [literally: 'add their mustard'] – and some bring the whole spice rack!)

✍️ Poem about the 'Synode'

Die Synode tritt zusammen,
(The synod comes together,)
Mit ernsten Mienen, frommen Namen.
(With serious faces, pious names.)
Man berät, was recht und gut,
(They discuss what's right and good,)
Braucht dafür viel Zeit und Mut.
(Needing much time and fortitude.)
Beschlüsse werden dann gefasst,
(Decisions are then made at last,)
Hoffentlich zur rechten Last
(Hopefully for the right burden)
Und Freude für die ganze Schar,
(And joy for the entire host,)
Das ist das Ziel, Jahr für Jahr.
(That is the goal, year after year.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin ein Treffen, wichtig, groß,
(I am a meeting, important, grand,)
In Kirche Schoß, ganz ohne Los.
(In the church's lap, not by chance planned.)
Bischöfe, Priester, Laien hier,
(Bishops, priests, laity are here,)
Beraten Glauben, Lehre, Zier.
(Discussing faith, doctrine, things held dear.)
Mein Name klingt nach Weg und Bund.
(My name sounds like 'way' and 'bond'.)
Was bin ich? Sag's aus deinem Mund!
(What am I? Speak it, be profound!)

Solution: die Synode

💡 More Tidbits

Etymology: The word 'Synode' comes from the Greek word σύνοδος (sýnodos), which is composed of σύν (syn) = 'together' and ὁδός (hodós) = 'way' or 'path'. So it literally means 'common way' or 'coming together'.

Synodalität (Synodality): More recently, the term 'Synodalität' (synodality) is often used to describe a participatory, communal style of church governance that goes beyond individual synod events. It emphasizes walking together as a church.