German word

Andacht

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈandaxt/

Meaning

  • feminine nounprayer meeting

Example

Nach dem Abendessen ist eine kurze Andacht geplant.

A short prayer meeting is planned after dinner.

Illustration for Andacht (prayer meeting)

More examples

Vor der Andacht herrschte andächtige Stille.

Before the prayer meeting, a reverent silence prevailed.

Core concept

A short devotional moment links still prayer with focused inner attention, whether shared by a group or observed alone.

Common phrases

  • abendliche Andacht

    evening prayer meeting

  • vor der Andacht

    before the prayer meeting

  • eine Andacht beginnen

    begin a prayer meeting

Similar words

Gebet: A heartfelt address to God expressing a request or thanks.
Besinnung: A calm time for looking inward and regaining composure.
Gottesdienst: A formal community worship service held in a church setting.
Predigt: A sermon that explains scripture and provides religious guidance.

Definition in German

Ein kurzer Zeitraum oder eine Zusammenkunft zum stillen Gebet und zur inneren Besinnung, meist religiös geprägt.

Word origin

Andacht is an inherited German formation from Old High German anadaht, whose meaning involved directing the mind toward a subject.

Usage tips

  • In German, Andacht usually has a religious sense, while Meditation more broadly covers focused mental practice without requiring worship.

Other meanings

  • meditationnoun
  • worshipnoun

Opposites

  • Gottlosigkeitgodlessnessnoun

Related words

  • andächtigdevoutadjective
  • Andachtsraumprayer roomnoun

Word lists with this word