In German
Kirche
Meaning: church
Formal or informal? “Kirche” is church, the building and the institution. A cathedral is “der Dom”.
Example sentences
Die Kirche ist im Zentrum.
The church is in the town centre.
Am Sonntag gehe ich in die Kirche.
On Sunday I go to church.
Die Kirche ist sehr alt.
The church is very old.
Grammar note
“Die Kirche” is feminine, so it takes “die” and “eine”. The plural is “die Kirchen”. “In die Kirche gehen” means to go to church, using the accusative “die”.
Common mistake
Don't say “der Kirche”. The article is “die Kirche”, feminine. Use “in die Kirche” for going, and “in der Kirche” for being inside.
Quick check
Which German word means “church”?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What is the German word for cathedral?
“Der Dom”.
How do you say “to go to church”?
“In die Kirche gehen”.