älteste

Älteste is a German noun meaning elder, used to denote the oldest or most senior member of a group. In everyday language it can refer to the eldest person in a family, organization, or community. As a title in church contexts, Älteste can indicate a leadership role or office responsible for governance and oversight, with practices that vary by denomination. In many Protestant and Lutheran churches, Kirchenälteste or Älteste are lay elders who participate in decision-making and pastoral responsibility.

Etymology and forms: the word stems from the adjective alt, “old,” and the form Älteste reflects a German pattern for substantives derived from adjectives to denote the elder or oldest individual. The masculine singular is der Älteste; the feminine singular is die Älteste; the plural for both genders is die Ältesten. The capitalization marks its status as a noun.

Religious usage: in German-speaking congregations, Älteste often serve alongside other officers to provide spiritual governance and church leadership. In the context of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the priesthood office of Elder is translated as Ältester, and its holders are referred to as Älteste in the plural within German-speaking congregations.

See also: elder (concept in various religious and secular contexts), Kirchenälteste. The term is used across dialects of German with similar meanings, though specific duties and structures are denomination-dependent.