bastion
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bastion
A projecting part of a fortification that serves for defense. This term is used mainly in historical and military contexts.
Von der Bastion aus konnten die Soldaten das gesamte Vorfeld der Festung überblicken.
From the bastion, the soldiers could survey the entire area in front of the fortress.
The meaning of 'Bastion' (bastion) becomes clear from the context. In texts about castles, fortresses, and military history, the literal meaning is intended. In discussions about politics, ideologies, or social groups, the word is used in a figurative sense.
Die alte Bastion der Stadtmauer wird heute als Aussichtsplattform genutzt.
The old bastion of the city wall is used today as a viewing platform.
The literal meaning of 'Bastion' (bastion) as part of a fortress is a technical term from military architecture. You find it mainly in historical texts, museum guides, or specialist literature.
Bei der Führung durch die Burg erklärte man uns die Funktion jeder einzelnen Bastion.
During the tour of the castle, they explained the function of each individual bastion to us.
In the figurative sense, 'Bastion' (bastion) is often connected with a genitive or the preposition 'der/für' (of/for) to name the idea or group being defended. Common adjectives are 'letzte' (last), 'wichtige' (important), or 'politische' (political).
Die Universität gilt als eine Bastion der freien Forschung.
The university is considered a bastion of free research.
fortress
'die Festung' and 'die Bastion' both belong to the area of defense and strong protective structures. A 'Festung' is the entire large structure. A 'Bastion', by contrast, is a part of a fortress that was built especially for defense. Both words can also be used figuratively when a place or group is considered especially strong and hard to attack. Learners may confuse them because both express strength and protection. A helpful rule of thumb is: the 'Festung' is the whole thing; the 'Bastion' is a particularly strong part or a strong support for an idea.
Die alte Bastion an der Stadtmauer wurde sorgfältig restauriert.
The old bastion on the city wall was carefully restored.
Die Festung liegt auf einem Hügel und ist von hohen Mauern umgeben.
The fortress is located on a hill and is surrounded by high walls.