banquet / shoulder
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banquet
A large, festive meal for many people, often held for a special occasion such as a celebration or honor ceremony.
Nach der Preisverleihung fand ein feierliches Bankett für alle Gewinner statt.
After the award ceremony, a formal banquet was held for all the winners.
This word has two very different meanings. The context makes clear what is meant: if it is about food, celebrations, and festivities, it refers to the festive meal. If it is about roads, traffic, or construction work, it refers to the shoulder or edge strip.
Der König lud zu einem prächtigen Bankett in sein Schloss ein.
The king invited guests to a magnificent banquet in his castle.
In connection with a festive meal, 'Bankett' (banquet) is often used with certain verbs. Typical phrases are 'ein Bankett geben' (to give a banquet), 'ein Bankett veranstalten' (to hold a banquet), or 'zu einem Bankett einladen' (to invite someone to a banquet).
Die Firma veranstaltet jedes Jahr ein Bankett für die Mitarbeiter.
The company holds a banquet for its employees every year.
The meaning 'Straßenrand' (roadside/shoulder) is a technical term from road construction and traffic engineering. In everyday language, this meaning is rarely used.
Das Befahren des Banketts ist für schwere Fahrzeuge verboten.
Driving on the shoulder is prohibited for heavy vehicles.
reception
'der Empfang' and 'das Bankett' can both be festive events with guests. The difference lies in the main focus of the event. At an 'Empfang', the focus is mainly on welcoming guests, talking with one another, and perhaps having something to drink or eating small snacks. A 'Bankett' is a large, festive meal with many people. Learners may confuse the words because both fit official celebrations. As a simple guide: at an 'Empfang', welcoming and conversation are in the foreground; at a 'Bankett', the shared meal is.
Am Abend saßen alle Gäste an langen Tischen beim festlichen Bankett.
In the evening, all the guests sat at long tables at the festive banquet.
Nach der Preisverleihung gab es einen kleinen Empfang im Rathaus.
After the award ceremony, there was a small reception at city hall.