römischkatholischen

Römisch-katholisch is the German adjective meaning “Roman Catholic.” It designates things related to the Roman Catholic Church, especially in German-speaking contexts, such as die römisch-katholische Kirche, römisch-katholische Gläubige, or römisch-katholischer Glauben. The standard spelling uses a hyphen; the unhyphenated form römischkatholisch is uncommon today and typically appears only in older texts or as a declined form (for example: die römisch-katholischen Gläubigen).

The Roman Catholic Church, in German referred to as die römisch-katholische Kirche, is the largest Christian church worldwide and is in full communion with the Pope in Rome. It maintains a hierarchical structure headed by the Pope, with bishops and dioceses. The Latin (Roman) Church is the largest of 24 sui iuris churches within the Catholic Communion, alongside 23 Eastern Catholic Churches. Central features include the seven sacraments, apostolic succession, and adherence to the Nicene Creed.

Historically, the term römisch-katholisch became common in German-speaking regions during and after the Protestant Reformation, serving to distinguish adherents of the Roman Catholic Church from Protestant communities. The phrase continues to be used in ecumenical and cultural contexts, including discussions about church doctrine, liturgy, and church-state relations.

Beliefs and practice commonly associated with römisch-katholisch communities include baptism, the Eucharist, confirmation, reconciliation, anointing of the sick, holy orders, and matrimony; a liturgical life rooted largely in the Roman Rite; veneration of Mary and the saints; and moral and social teaching developed through tradition and magisterial authority.

Demographically, the Roman Catholic Church numbers about 1.3 billion adherents worldwide. In German-speaking countries, Catholics remain a significant religious community that has shaped culture, education, and public life.