tomb
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tomb / mausoleum
An architectural structure or a large, artistically designed monument built over a grave to commemorate one or more deceased people. It is usually more elaborate than a simple gravestone.
Das Taj Mahal in Indien ist eines der berühmtesten Grabmäler der Welt.
The Taj Mahal in India is one of the most famous mausoleums in the world.
The word 'Grabmal' (tomb/mausoleum) is made up of 'das Grab' (the grave) and 'das Mal' (the mark/monument). Here, 'Mal' is an old word for 'sign' or 'monument,' as also in 'Denkmal' (monument/memorial). So a 'Grabmal' is literally a 'monument at a grave.'
Das beeindruckende Grabmal wurde für einen berühmten König errichtet.
The impressive tomb was built for a famous king.
Common verbs used with 'Grabmal' (tomb/mausoleum) are 'ein Grabmal errichten' (to erect a tomb), 'ein Grabmal bauen' (to build a tomb), or 'ein Grabmal besichtigen' (to visit/view a tomb). These verbs emphasize its architectural and monumental character.
Die Familie ließ ein prunkvolles Grabmal für ihre Vorfahren errichten.
The family had a magnificent tomb erected for their ancestors.
'Grabmal' (tomb/mausoleum) is a rather formal and elevated word. It is used for large, architecturally significant, or artistic burial sites, often those of historical figures, not for a simple gravestone.
Viele Touristen besuchen die antiken Grabmäler der Pharaonen in Ägypten.
Many tourists visit the ancient tombs of the pharaohs in Egypt.
gravestone
A Grabstein and a Grabmal commemorate the dead and stand over a grave. A Grabstein is a worked stone, usually with an inscription. A Grabmal, by contrast, is a larger or more artistically designed structure or monument.
Über dem Grab erhebt sich ein großes, kunstvoll gestaltetes Grabmal aus Stein.
A large, artistically designed stone tomb rises above the grave.
Auf dem Grab steht ein schlichter Grabstein mit dem Namen und den Lebensdaten der Verstorbenen.
A simple gravestone bearing the deceased woman’s name and dates of life stands on the grave.
