German word

Pater

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈpaːtɐ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounpriest

Example

Wir besuchen sonntags den Pater.

We visit the priest on Sundays.

Illustration for Pater (priest)

More examples

Nach der Messe spricht der Pater mit Gemeindemitgliedern.

After Mass, the priest speaks with parishioners.

Core concept

A Catholic religious-order cleric at a monastery, addressed by Pater before his name.

Common phrases

  • im Gespräch mit dem Pater

    in conversation with the priest

  • der Pater im Pfarrhaus

    the priest in the rectory

Similar words

Pfarrer: A parish priest serving a local church and its community.
Priester: A Catholic priest performing Mass and leading prayer services.
Mönch: A monk living in a monastery and following a life of prayer and study.
Kaplan: A chaplain serving the religious needs of a particular community or institution.

Definition in German

Bezeichnung für einen katholischen Ordensgeistlichen, oft als Anredeform vor dem Namen verwendet.

Word origin

Pater comes from Latin pater, meaning "father", and entered German as an ecclesiastical title for a male member of a Catholic religious order.

Usage tips

  • Pater is not the usual word for every Catholic priest; Priester is general, while Pfarrer specifically denotes a parish priest.

Other meanings

  • monknoun

Opposites

  • Laielaypersonnoun
  • Weltlichersecular personnoun

Word lists with this word