Kelch
/kɛlç/masculine
The German word for chalice is Kelch.
Kelch refers to a large drinking cup, specifically used when discussing religious or ceremonial contexts.
Meaning: large drinking cup (noun)
Which one should you use?
Use Kelch for ceremonial or highly ornate vessels, whereas Becher is the more common word for a standard drinking cup or beaker.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Kelch is Kelche. In the genitive case, the masculine noun takes the ending -es and the article becomes des Kelches (of the chalice).
How do you pronounce it?
/kɛlç/
Did you know?
- The German idiom den Kelch bis an die Lippen trinken means to experience something unpleasant to the fullest extent.
- In German, the word Kelch refers to the 'calyx' of a flower, the green outer part that supports the petals.
- The word Kelch is a cognate of the English word 'chalice' and descends from the Proto-West Germanic root *kalik.
Examples in context
- Der Kelch ist aus purem Gold.The chalice is made of pure gold.
- Sie hielt den schweren Kelch fest.She held the heavy chalice tightly.
- Ein silberner Kelch stand auf dem Tisch.A silver chalice stood on the table.
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are visiting a museum exhibit.
- MaximilianSiehst du diesen alten Kelch dort?Do you see that old chalice there?
- SarahJa, der Kelch ist wirklich wunderschön.Yes, the chalice is truly beautiful.
- MaximilianEr sieht sehr kostbar aus.It looks very precious.
- SarahDas stimmt, Maximilian.That's true, Maximilian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chalice” translations and entries Kelch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Kelch, CC BY-SA 4.0.
