das Gewölbe
vault
An arched ceiling or roof structure, often found in churches, cellars, or old buildings.
EXAMPLE
Das gotische Gewölbe der Kathedrale war beeindruckend hoch.
The Gothic vault of the cathedral was impressively high.
das Gewölbe
vault
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Meanings
das Gewölbe
vault
A specially secured room, usually in a bank, for storing money, gold, or other valuables; a strongroom.
EXAMPLE
Die Goldreserven des Landes lagern in einem unterirdischen Gewölbe.
The country's gold reserves are stored in an underground vault.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Gewölbe' (vault) is derived from the verb 'wölben' (to arch something). The prefix 'Ge-' here, as often in German, forms a noun from a verb that describes the result of the action.
EXAMPLE
Die Brücke wölbt sich elegant über den Fluss.
The bridge arches elegantly over the river.
Context clue
You can tell from the context whether an architectural 'Gewölbe' (vault) or a strongroom is meant. Words like 'Kirche' (church), 'Keller' (cellar), 'gotisch' (Gothic), or 'Decke' (ceiling) point to architecture. Words like 'Bank' (bank), 'Geld' (money), 'sicher' (secure), or 'Tresor' (safe) point to a room for protecting valuables.
EXAMPLE
Wir besichtigten den alten Weinkeller mit seinem steinernen Gewölbe.
We toured the old wine cellar with its stone vault.
Typical collocations
In an architectural context, 'Gewölbe' (vault) is often combined with styles or materials. Typical phrases are 'ein gotisches Gewölbe' (a Gothic vault), 'ein romanisches Gewölbe' (a Romanesque vault), or 'ein steinernes Gewölbe' (a stone vault).
EXAMPLE
Das hohe Gewölbe der Kirche erzeugt eine besondere Akustik.
The high vault of the church creates a special acoustic effect.
Typical collocations
When referring to a strongroom, people often speak of a 'Bankgewölbe' (bank vault). Typical verbs are 'etwas im Gewölbe lagern' (to store something in the vault), 'aufbewahren' (to keep/store), or 'einschließen' (to lock away).
EXAMPLE
Die wertvollen Dokumente werden sicher im Gewölbe aufbewahrt.
The valuable documents are kept securely in the vault.
Compare with
Gewölbe vs safe
safe
„Safe“ indicates that money or valuables are being kept securely and is English or otherwise marked in this use. „Das Gewölbe“ refers to a specially secured room, such as one in a bank. Use „safe“ to describe the state and „Gewölbe“ for the room itself.
Gewölbe
Die Goldmünzen liegen im gesicherten Bankgewölbe.
The gold coins are in the secure bank vault.
safe
Die Goldmünzen sind im verschlossenen Keller safe.
The gold coins are safe in the locked basement.
In real life
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