crypt
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crypt
A burial chamber, usually underground or built into a church, for the interment of coffins, often for noble families.
In der alten Familiengruft wurden über Generationen die Verstorbenen beigesetzt.
In the old family crypt, the deceased were buried over generations.
The word 'Gruft' (crypt) is related to the verb 'graben' (to dig). Historically, a crypt is a dug-out or walled chamber underground.
Die Archäologen entdeckten eine alte Gruft unter der Kirche.
The archaeologists discovered an old crypt under the church.
In the meaning 'unheimlicher Raum' (creepy room), 'Gruft' (crypt) is colloquial and strongly exaggerated. It is used to express that a room is very dark, cold, and uncomfortable.
Mach doch mal das Licht an, es ist ja wie in einer Gruft hier!
Turn on the light, it's like a crypt in here!
The word 'Gruft' (crypt) is often associated with nobility, old churches, but also with horror and vampire stories. It creates a gloomy and mysterious atmosphere.
In Schauerromanen erwachen die Vampire oft in ihrer Gruft.
In gothic novels, vampires often awaken in their crypt.
hole
'das Loch' and 'die Gruft' can both be used colloquially and derogatorily for a very unpleasant place or room. 'Loch' sounds more general and can mean a boring, ugly, or run-down place. 'Gruft' emphasizes more that a room feels dark, cold, and uncomfortable. The word also recalls a burial chamber, so it sounds stronger and more vivid. Learners may confuse the words because both speak negatively about places. For a bad place in general, 'Loch' is more suitable; for a dark, cold room, 'Gruft' sounds more precise.
Unsere alte Kellerwohnung war so dunkel und kalt, dass wir sie nur die Gruft nannten.
Our old basement apartment was so dark and cold that we just called it the crypt.
Das Hotel war ein echtes Loch, und wir sind nach einer Nacht wieder abgereist.
The hotel was a real dump, and we left again after one night.