priesterlichen

Priesterlich is an adjective in the German language meaning "priestly" or "pertaining to the priesthood." It describes things associated with priests, their office, or their liturgical functions. The term is common in religious, theological, and historical writing and can be used both literally and rhetorically to convey solemnity or sacerdotal character.

Etymology: The word is formed from the noun Priester (priest) with the adjectival suffix -lich. It belongs to a productive class of -lich adjectives in German, alongside königlich (royal) and menschlich (human). The form priesterlich has been attested since the early modern period and occurs in religious texts, sermons, and scholarly descriptions of church life.

Usage: In ecclesiastical contexts it refers to the priesthood’s functions or attributes, for example das priesterliche Amt (the priestly office), priesterliche Aufgaben (priestly duties), or priesterliche Gewänder (priestly vestments). It can also describe language, style, or demeanor associated with priests, such as priesterliche Würde or eine priesterliche Haltung, though metaphorical usage may emphasize ceremonial gravity rather than literal priesthood.

Declension: As a standard adjective, priesterlich inflects like other adjectives. The form priesterlichen appears in certain cases and numbers, for example mit priesterlichen Gewändern (dative plural) or die priesterlichen Aufgaben (plural nominative). The exact ending depends on the article and the case.