amphitheater
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ancient amphitheater
An open, usually oval or round ancient structure with tiered rows of seats, used for public events such as gladiator fights.
Das Kolosseum in Rom ist das berühmteste Amphitheater der Welt.
The Colosseum in Rome is the most famous amphitheater in the world.
The word comes from Greek. The prefix 'amphi-' means 'on both sides' or 'around', and 'Theater' (theater) is a performance space. An amphitheater is therefore a place where the spectators sit around the central stage.
Viele römische Städte hatten ein eigenes Amphitheater für öffentliche Spiele.
Many Roman cities had their own amphitheater for public games.
To distinguish location and direction, different cases are used. 'Wir gehen ins Amphitheater' (we are going into the amphitheater, accusative) describes movement toward it, while 'Die Veranstaltung findet im Amphitheater statt' (the event takes place in the amphitheater, dative) describes the location.
Die Touristen gingen ins Amphitheater, um die Architektur zu bewundern.
The tourists went into the amphitheater to admire the architecture.
The context reveals whether an ancient or modern building is meant. Words like 'römisch' (Roman), 'antik' (ancient), or 'Gladiatoren' (gladiators) point to the historical meaning. Terms like 'Universität' (university), 'Vorlesung' (lecture), or 'Konzert' (concert) indicate a modern event venue.
Im alten Amphitheater von Pula finden heute im Sommer Konzerte statt.
Concerts are held in the old amphitheater of Pula in the summer today.
theater
'das Theater' and 'das Amphitheater' are both places where people can watch a performance or event. 'Das Theater' usually means a building with a stage where, for example, plays or operas are performed. 'Das Amphitheater' is more specific: it has tiered rows of seats and is often open, round, or oval. The term is used especially for ancient structures, but it can also refer to modern venues or lecture halls with a similar shape. The words can be confusing because 'Theater' is part of 'Amphitheater'. Even so, 'Amphitheater' mainly describes the architectural form.
Im Urlaub besichtige ich ein altes Amphitheater, das früher für große Veranstaltungen genutzt wurde.
On vacation, I am visiting an old amphitheater that used to be used for large events.
Im Theater sah die Mitarbeiterin nach der Arbeit eine moderne Komödie.
At the theater, the employee saw a modern comedy after work.