Kirchenschiff

nave (of a church)

noun KIR-khen-shif Rare

Usage Note

Kirchenschiff is the nave, the main long hall of a church where the congregation sits. The metaphor of a ship (Schiff) reflects the idea of the church as a vessel. A Kirchenschiff can be single (einschiffig) or divided into side aisles (Seitenschiffe).

Examples

"Das romanische Kirchenschiff ist von schlanken Säulen und runden Bögen geprägt."

Natural Translation

The Romanesque nave is characterised by slender columns and round arches.

Literal Translation

The Romanesque church-ship is by slender columns and round arches characterised.

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