Skip to content

Kanzel

pulpit

noun KAN-tsel Rare

Origin: from Latin cancellus (lattice, screen)

Usage Note

Kanzel is the raised platform in a church from which the preacher delivers the sermon. In Protestant churches the Kanzel is architecturally prominent, reflecting the centrality of preaching; figuratively von der Kanzel herab means to speak with unwarranted authority.

Examples

"Der Pfarrer stieg auf die Kanzel und begann seine Predigt."

Natural Translation

The pastor climbed the pulpit and began his sermon.

Literal Translation

The pastor climbed onto the pulpit and began his sermon.

Explore German by topic