German word

Hochamt

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈhoːxˌamt/

Meaning

  • neuter nounhigh mass

Example

Wir gehen am Sonntag zum Hochamt.

We are going to High Mass on Sunday.

Illustration for Hochamt (high mass)

More examples

Nach dem Hochamt trifft sich die Gemeinde zum Austausch.

After high mass, the congregation meets for discussion.

Core concept

A Catholic service surrounded by especially elaborate ceremony and prominent music.

Common phrases

  • zum Hochamt gehen

    go to high mass

  • am Hochamt teilnehmen

    attend high mass

Similar words

Messe: A Catholic worship service, especially one centered on the Eucharist.
Gottesdienst: A church gathering for religious worship, prayer, and preaching.
Hochmesse: A Catholic Mass celebrated with formal ceremony, ritual, and song.
Liturgie: The established ceremonial structure and order of worship.

Definition in German

Hochamt ist die hohe Messe der katholischen Liturgie, gekennzeichnet durch umfangreichere Zeremonien und zentrale musikalische Elemente.

Word origin

Hochamt is a compound of hoch and Amt, with the latter's older sense of official service extending into ecclesiastical language.

Usage tips

  • Hochamt is neuter, with the standard forms das Hochamt and the plural die Hochämter.

Other meanings

  • solemn massnoun

Opposites

  • Niedermesselow massnoun

Related words

  • hochamtlichpertaining to high massadjective

Word lists with this word