edification / construction
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edification
The intellectual, spiritual, or moral uplift and strengthening of a person, often through art, literature, or religion.
Die Lektüre klassischer Dichter diente seiner geistigen Erbauung.
Reading classical poets served his intellectual edification.
The noun 'Erbauung' (edification/construction) is derived from the verb 'erbauen' (to build; to edify). This verb also has two meanings: to erect a building and to uplift someone spiritually. The prefix 'er-' here points to the result or completion of an action.
Die Musik von Bach kann sehr erbauend sein.
Bach's music can be very edifying.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If the topic is intellectual, spiritual, or religious matters, it refers to strengthening the spirit. If the topic is architecture or history, it refers to the construction of a building.
Er fand in der Philosophie geistige Erbauung.
He found intellectual edification in philosophy.
The meaning 'geistige Stärkung' (intellectual/spiritual strengthening) is used mainly in elevated written language or in formal contexts. In everyday conversation, the word often sounds somewhat old-fashioned.
Der Vortrag diente der moralischen Erbauung der Zuhörer.
The lecture served the moral edification of the listeners.
'Erbauung' (edification) is often used with the verb 'dienen' (to serve) in the fixed phrase 'zur Erbauung dienen' (to serve for edification). Typical adjectives are 'geistige' (intellectual/spiritual), 'seelische' (emotional/spiritual), or 'moralische' (moral) Erbauung.
Diese Bücher sollen nicht nur unterhalten, sondern auch zur Erbauung dienen.
These books are meant not only to entertain, but also to serve for edification.
The meaning 'das Bauen' (building/construction) is rare today. It is found almost only in historical, architectural, or very formal texts when discussing the origin or construction of structures.
In der Chronik wird die Erbauung der Stadtmauer detailliert beschrieben.
The construction of the city wall is described in detail in the chronicle.
construction / building
'der Bau' and 'die Erbauung' can both refer to the process in which a building is constructed. In contemporary German, 'der Bau' is the normal and natural word for this. 'die Erbauung' in this meaning sounds very formal, old-fashioned, or is more likely to appear in official or historical texts. Learners may confuse the words because they look similar and are both connected with 'bauen' (to build). In everyday language, you almost always say 'der Bau'. You should use 'Erbauung' for the construction of a building only if the style is deliberately very formal.
Auf der Tafel steht das Jahr der Erbauung der alten Kirche.
The plaque shows the year the old church was built.
Der Bau des neuen Wohnhauses beginnt nächste Woche.
Construction of the new apartment building begins next week.