Religion
/ʁeliˈɡi̯oːn/feminine
The German word for religion is Religion.
Religion refers to a system of beliefs dealing with the soul, a deity or life after death.
Meaning: system of beliefs dealing with soul, deity and/or life after death (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Religion is the general term, use Die Konfession when specifically referring to different religious denominations or branches within a religion. If you wish to discuss the quality of being religious or the concept of religiosity, use the formal term Die Religiosität.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Religion is Religionen. To express the genitive singular, such as 'of the religion', use der Religion.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁeliˈɡi̯oːn/
Did you know?
- The term Glaubensfrage is used metaphorically in German to describe any issue that is a matter of personal conviction, even if it has nothing to do with actual religion.
- When discussing history, Germans often use the term Kulturkampf to describe the 19th-century struggle between the state and the church, rather than just 'religious conflict'.
- In German, the term Weltanschauung is often used alongside Religion to describe a comprehensive 'worldview' that may be secular or philosophical.
Examples in context
- Wofür braucht man Religion?Why is religion necessary?This sentence is useful for asking why religion is necessary.Tatoeba #8288907 by GuidoW, translation #8271916 by lunchmeat317
- Die Religion ist gefährlich.Religion is dangerous.This sentence is useful for stating that religion is dangerous.Tatoeba #8285102 by GuidoW, translation #6405369 by mailohilohi
- Ich glaube nicht an Religion.I don't believe in religion.This sentence is useful for expressing a lack of belief in religion.Tatoeba #641181 by al_ex_an_der, translation #266309 by CK
- Welche Religion praktizierst du?Which religion do you practice?
- Glaubst du an eine höhere Macht?Do you believe in a higher power?
- Die Religiosität vieler Menschen hat in den letzten Jahrzehnten abgenommen.The religiosity of many people has decreased in recent decades.
- 129 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Julia are discussing their personal backgrounds.
- LukasHast du eine Religion, Julia?Do you have a religion, Julia?
- JuliaNein, ich gehöre keiner Religion an.No, I don't belong to any religion.
- LukasIch finde Religion trotzdem sehr interessant.I still find religion very interesting.
- JuliaDas kann ich gut verstehen, Lukas.I can understand that well, Lukas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “religion” translations and entries Religion, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
