German Conversation · Level 11
90 words
German word
Altar
Pronunciation
IPA/alˈtaːɐ̯/
Meaning
- masculine nounaltar
Example
Die Familie hat einen kleinen Altar in der Ecke des Wohnzimmers.
The family has a small altar in the corner of the living room.
More examples
Im historischen Dom steht ein prächtiger Altar.
A magnificent altar stands in the historic cathedral.
Core concept
A raised table or platform set apart for worship, prayer, or offerings.
Common phrases
zum Altar schreiten
proceed to the altar
den Altar schmücken
decorate the altar
vor dem Altar beten
pray before the altar
Similar words
Alter: The age of a person or the number of years that have passed.
Kirchenaltar: A decorated church altar used during worship or Mass.
Definition in German
Ein erhöhter Platz oder Tisch, meist in Kirchen oder Haushalten, der für religiöse Handlungen, Gebete oder Opfergaben genutzt wird.
Word origin
German Altar comes through Latin altare, a religious noun associated with Latin altus, meaning "high" and reflecting the traditional raised form.
Usage tips
- Altar is masculine, with the plural Altäre, so the article changes from "der Altar" to "die Altäre".
Related words
- Altarbildaltar paintingnoun
- Altarraumaltar areanoun
- Altarkerzealtar candlenoun