Osnabrück [SEP] located next to body of water
of "Ochsenbrücke" (meaning "oxen bridge"), but others state that it is derived from the name of the "Hase" River which is arguably derived from "Asen" (Æsir), thus giving Osnabrück the meaning "bridge to the gods". The way in which the city's name is pronounced can also serve as a means of telling if the speaker is a native of Osnabrück or a visitor: most locals stress the last syllable, while those from elsewhere tend to stress the first one.
Appointed – 9 Sep 1987 Resigned)
- 1987–1994: Ludwig Averkamp (9 Sep 1987 Succeeded – 24 Oct 1994 Appointed, afterwards Archbishop of Hamburg)
- 1995–present: Franz-Josef Hermann Bode (12 Sep 1995 Appointed – )
Auxiliary bishops.
- Johannes Fabri (bishop of Osnabrück), O.F.M. (20 Nov 1434 - Mar 1451)
- Godefridus Yerwerd, O.S.B. (13 Feb 1471 - 28 Mar 1476)
- Johannes Meppen, O.S.A. (24 Jan 1477 - 1495)
- Heinrich Schodehoet