01
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
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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 Decke
blanket / ceiling
'die Decke' and 'das Gewölbe' can both refer to the upper part of a room. 'die Decke' is the general word for the surface above us in a room: the ceiling. 'das Gewölbe' is a special architectural form: it is curved and is often found in churches, cellars, or old buildings. They can be confused because a vault can also be a kind of ceiling. In a normal apartment, however, you almost always say 'Decke'. 'Gewölbe' is only used when the shape or the old architectural style is important.
Gewölbe
In der alten Kirche bewundern die Besucher das hohe Gewölbe.
In the old church, visitors admire the high vault.
Decke
Im Wohnzimmer hängt eine Lampe an der Decke.
In the living room, a lamp is hanging from the ceiling.
In real life
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