Kathedrale

Kathedrale is the term used in German to denote a Christian church that houses the bishop's seat, the cathedra, and functions as the central church of a diocese. The term derives from Latin cathedra meaning chair or throne, symbolizing the bishop's authority. A cathedral differs from other large churches in that it contains the episcopal see; not every large church is a cathedral.

As the seat of a bishop, the cathedral is the liturgical and administrative center of a diocese, hosting ordinations, diocesan ceremonies, and the bishop's chair. Many cathedrals are also pilgrimage sites and repositories of art and relics; they often host a cathedral chapter of clergy and lay canons who manage the church's affairs.

Architecturally cathedrals display a broad range of styles reflecting the period and region, including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and beyond. Common elements include a nave leading to transepts and a choir, often with an apse, choirs, an ambulatory, and sometimes large towers or a dome. The design and decoration aim to inspire awe and symbolize heavenly order.

The historical development of cathedrals is linked to the expansion of Christian governance in the late antique and medieval periods; many cathedrals were built as civic and spiritual centers and as expressions of church power.

In German usage, Kathedrale is a general term, while the word Dom is often preferred for the principal church of a diocese in many cities, though usage varies by region.