nounnoun

der Priester, –

priest

Eine Person in einer Religion, die heilige Handlungen ausführt, Gebete spricht und die Gemeinschaft im Glauben führt.

Definition & meaning

A "Priester" is a person authorized to perform the sacred rituals of a religion, serving as an intermediary between humans and a deity or the divine. In a Christian context, specifically within the Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican traditions, it refers to an ordained minister who has the authority to administer sacraments, lead worship, and provide spiritual guidance.

The term can also be used more broadly to describe religious leaders in various historical or non-Christian religions who are responsible for performing sacrifices or presiding over religious ceremonies.

Grammar & Word origin

The word is a masculine noun. Its plural form remains the same as the singular: "die Priester." The feminine equivalent is "die Priesterin."

Etymologically, "Priester" derives from the Old High German "priester," which was borrowed from the Late Latin "presbyter." This Latin term originated from the Ancient Greek word "presbyteros," which literally means "elder." This highlights the historical role of the priest as an elder or a respected leader within a community.