Kirche vs. Tempel vs. Kathedrale: church, temple
The German nouns Kirche, Tempel, and Kathedrale all refer to places of worship, but they differ in meaning, religious context, and usage:
- Kirche is the general word for “church” and usually refers to Christian places of worship. It is the most commonly used term for a church building in everyday German.
- Tempel means “temple” and refers to places of worship in non-Christian religions (such as Hinduism, Buddhism, or ancient religions), or to ancient temples. It is not used for Christian churches.
- Kathedrale means “cathedral,” a specific type of large and important church that is the seat of a bishop. It is a more formal and specific term than Kirche.
In summary:
| German Word | English Meaning | Religious Context | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kirche | Church | General Christian worship | Ich gehe in die Kirche. (I go to church.) |
| Tempel | Temple | Non-Christian religions or ancient worship | Der Hindu-Tempel ist bunt. (The Hindu temple is colorful.) |
| Kathedrale | Cathedral | Christian, seat of a bishop, often large and ornate | Die Kathedrale ist sehr alt. (The cathedral is very old.) |
- Kirche can refer to any Christian church building, large or small.
- Tempel is used for temples outside of Christianity and for ancient religious sites.
- Kathedrale denotes a more important church, typically grand in size and architecture, with a specific religious role.
These distinctions help you choose the appropriate word based on the religious and cultural context in German.
Der Tempel ist bunt und reich verziert.
The temple is colorful and richly decorated.
'Der Tempel' means 'the temple,' and the sentence describes its appearance.
In which contexts is the German word 'Tempel' most appropriately used?
Non-Christian religions and ancient religious sites
'Tempel' refers to temples in religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, or ancient religions, but not to Christian churches.
Flashcards (1 of 3)
- Religious Context: General Christian worship
- Usage Example: Ich gehe in die Kirche. (I go to church.)
- English Meaning: Church
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
