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Aschermittwoch

Ash Wednesday

noun ASH-er-mit-vokh Rare
Arts & Culture Religion

Usage Note

Aschermittwoch is the first day of Lent, marked in Catholic and some Protestant churches by the imposition of ashes on the forehead as a sign of mortality and repentance. In German political culture it also denotes a day of sharp satirical speeches by party politicians.

Examples

"Am Aschermittwoch beginnt die vierzigtägige Fastenzeit vor Ostern."

Natural Translation

On Ash Wednesday the forty-day Lenten fast before Easter begins.

Literal Translation

On Ash-Wednesday begins the forty-day fasting-period before Easter.

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