Pfaffe

German

Etymology

From Middle High German pfaffe, from Old High German pfaffo, phaffo, from Latin, from Ancient Greek παπάς (papás). Cognate to Dutch paap.

Noun

Pfaffe m (genitive Pfaffen, plural Pfaffen)

  1. (now derogatory) cleric, clergyman

Usage notes

The term was originally neutral, but since about the time of the Reformation it ceased to be used with any positive tone; usage today is derogatory.

Declension
Declension of Pfaffe
singular plural
indef. def. noun def. noun
nominative ein der Pfaffe die Pfaffen
genitive eines des Pfaffen der Pfaffen
dative einem dem Pfaffen den Pfaffen
accusative einen den Pfaffen die Pfaffen

Synonyms

References
  • Pfaffe in Duden online
  • “Pfaffe” in Digitales Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache
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