culture of remembrance
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culture of remembrance
The way in which a society, group, or nation deals with its past and its significant events. This includes monuments, days of remembrance, public debates, and representation in educational institutions.
Die deutsche Erinnerungskultur befasst sich intensiv mit der Zeit des Nationalsozialismus.
The German culture of remembrance deals intensively with the period of National Socialism.
The word is a compound made up of 'die Erinnerung' (memory/remembrance), the linking element '-s-', and 'die Kultur' (culture). So it literally describes the 'culture of remembering' in a society.
Denkmäler sind ein wichtiger Teil der Erinnerungskultur eines Landes.
Monuments are an important part of a country's culture of remembrance.
Common verbs used with 'Erinnerungskultur' (culture of remembrance) are 'eine Erinnerungskultur pflegen' (to cultivate a culture of remembrance), 'gestalten' (to shape), or 'prägen' (to influence/shape). You can also say 'sich mit der Erinnerungskultur befassen' (to engage with the culture of remembrance).
Jede Generation muss die Erinnerungskultur neu gestalten.
Every generation must reshape the culture of remembrance.
This word is mainly used in intellectual, political, and historical discussions. It is not a typical word in everyday language.
Die Debatte über das neue Denkmal hat die Diskussion über die städtische Erinnerungskultur neu belebt.
The debate about the new monument has revived the discussion about the city's culture of remembrance.
coming to terms / restoration / processing
'die Aufarbeitung' and 'die Erinnerungskultur' both have to do with dealing with the past. 'die Aufarbeitung' emphasizes the process: you examine a difficult topic, talk about it, and try to understand or process it. 'die Erinnerungskultur' refers more to the way a society later remembers important events, for example through monuments, days of remembrance, or teaching. Learners may confuse the words because both often occur in historical topics. As a guide: 'Aufarbeitung' is the active engagement with the past, while 'Erinnerungskultur' is the public form of remembrance.
Denkmäler und Gedenktage sind ein wichtiger Teil der Erinnerungskultur.
Monuments and days of remembrance are an important part of the culture of remembrance.
In der Schule beginnt die Aufarbeitung der lokalen Geschichte mit einem Besuch im Archiv.
At school, coming to terms with local history begins with a visit to the archive.