der Kirchenaustritt
Translation
leaving the church, church disaffiliation, secession from the church
Examples
Er hat seinen Kirchenaustritt erklärt.
He has declared his withdrawal from the church.
Die Zahl der Kirchenaustritte steigt.
The number of people leaving the church is increasing.
Grammar Patterns
((to declare sth.)) to declare one's withdrawal from the church He has declared his withdrawal from the church.
Similar Words
Synonyms: apostasy, disaffiliation; Antonyms: Kircheneintritt (joining the church)
Etymology
Composed of 'Kirche' (church) + 'aus' (out) + 'Tritt' (step). It literally means a 'step out of the church'.
Memory Tips
Visualize taking a formal step 'aus' (out) of the 'Kirche' (church). This is a legal act in Germany, often to stop paying church tax.