auditorium
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auditorium
A large hall used for lectures, talks, or concerts, especially at a university. A synonym is 'Hörsaal' (lecture hall).
Die Einführungsveranstaltung findet im größten Auditorium der Fakultät statt.
The introductory event is taking place in the faculty's largest auditorium.
The word comes from the Latin 'audire' (to hear). This explains the two meanings: it can be the place where people listen, 'der Hörsaal' (lecture hall), or the group of people who are listening, 'das Publikum' (the audience).
Der Professor betrat das voll besetzte Auditorium.
The professor entered the packed auditorium.
You can tell whether the hall or the audience is meant from the verb. Verbs that describe a place, e.g. 'betreten' (to enter), 'verlassen' (to leave), 'sich befinden' (to be located), refer to the hall. Verbs that describe a reaction, e.g. 'applaudieren' (to applaud), 'zuhören' (to listen), 'begeistern' (to inspire/excite), refer to the audience.
Der Vortrag findet im Auditorium Maximum statt.
The lecture is taking place in the Auditorium Maximum.
'Auditorium' (auditorium/audience) is a formal word that is often used in academic, cultural, or official contexts. It sounds more educated than the everyday alternatives.
Die Akustik in diesem Auditorium ist hervorragend.
The acoustics in this auditorium are excellent.
audience
'das Publikum' and 'das Auditorium' can both refer to the people at an event who are listening or watching. 'Publikum' is the normal everyday word, for example at concerts, theater performances, or sports events. 'Auditorium' sounds more formal and is used especially for talks, lectures, or similar events. In addition, 'Auditorium' can also mean the hall itself, for example at a university. That is why it can easily be confused: 'Publikum' refers only to the people, while 'Auditorium' can mean either the people or the room, depending on the sentence.
Im Auditorium warteten schon viele Zuhörer auf den Vortrag.
Many listeners were already waiting in the auditorium for the talk.
Beim Theaterstück lachte das Publikum an vielen Stellen.
During the play, the audience laughed at many points.