German word

pilgern

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈpɪlgɐn/

Meaning

  • verbgo on a pilgrimage

Example

Ich pilgere jedes Jahr nach Lourdes.

I go on a pilgrimage to Lourdes every year.

Illustration for pilgern (go on a pilgrimage)

More examples

Jedes Jahr pilgern Pilger aus aller Welt nach Santiago de Compostela.

Every year, pilgrims from all over the world go on a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.

Core concept

A traveler follows a traditional route toward a sacred destination, often as an act of religious devotion.

Common phrases

  • pilgern nach Santiago de Compostela

    go on a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela

  • in Gruppen pilgern

    go on a pilgrimage in groups

  • pilgern zum Wallfahrtsort

    go on a pilgrimage to the pilgrimage site

Similar words

wallfahren: Make a religious journey to a sacred place.
reisen: Travel from one place to another, often over a considerable distance.
wandern: Walk for a long time through mountains or natural areas for enjoyment.
besuchen: Go to see a person or place.

Definition in German

pilgern heißt, zu einer heiligen Stätte zu gehen oder dorthin zu reisen, meist aus religiösem Glauben und oft im Rahmen einer Pilgertradition.

Word origin

German pilgern comes through Middle High German pilger from Latin peregrinus, meaning a foreigner or traveler, through Romance forms.

Usage tips

  • The usual destination pattern is "nach" plus a place, as in "nach Lourdes pilgern"; the verb takes "zu" with a person or institution.

Other meanings

  • make a pilgrimageverb

Related words

  • Pilgerpilgrimnoun
  • Pilgerreisepilgrimagenoun
  • Pilgerwegpilgrimage routenoun

Word lists with this word