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.
grave
'das Grab' and 'das Grabmal' are both found in a cemetery or at a place of remembrance. 'das Grab' is the place where a deceased person is buried. 'das Grabmal' is a structure or a large, artistically designed monument over or near a grave. Learners may confuse the words because they sound very similar and occur together. The important point is: the person lies in the 'Grab'; the 'Grabmal' visibly commemorates them.
Wegen seiner schönen Figuren fotografierten viele Besucher das alte Grabmal.
Because of its beautiful figures, many visitors photographed the old tomb.
Am Sonntag blieb die Familie lange am Grab stehen.
On Sunday, the family stood at the grave for a long time.