stronghold
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stronghold
A place or region where a particular political party, movement, culture, or activity is especially strongly represented; a center or bastion.
Köln gilt als eine Hochburg des deutschen Karnevals.
Cologne is considered a stronghold of German Carnival.
The word is made up of 'hoch' (high) and 'Burg' (castle). The literal meaning is a high-lying, strongly fortified castle. From this comes the figurative meaning of a 'strong center.'
Die Ruine der alten Hochburg thront über der Stadt.
The ruins of the old main fortress tower over the city.
The figurative meaning (center) is much more common today. You can recognize it because it refers to politics, culture, or sports. The literal meaning (part of a castle) is found almost only in historical or architectural texts.
Diese Region ist eine Hochburg der Automobilindustrie.
This region is a stronghold of the automotive industry.
In the figurative meaning, the genitive or 'von' + dative is often used to indicate what something is a 'Hochburg' (stronghold) of. Typical verbs are 'sein' (to be) or 'gelten als' (to be considered).
Die Stadt gilt als eine Hochburg der alternativen Musikszene.
The city is considered a stronghold of the alternative music scene.
center
'das Zentrum' and 'die Hochburg' can both refer to a place where something is especially strong or occurs often. 'das Zentrum' is neutral and mainly says that many activities, facilities, or people connected to a topic come together there. 'die Hochburg' is more figurative and emphasizes that a party, movement, culture, or activity is especially strongly represented in that place. The words can be confused because both are used for cities or regions. 'Zentrum' is broader and more factual. 'Hochburg' fits when you want to highlight the special strength of a group or tradition in a place.
Diese Region ist eine Hochburg des Wintersports, weil dort viele bekannte Skigebiete liegen.
This region is a stronghold of winter sports because many well-known ski resorts are located there.
Leipzig gilt als wichtiges Zentrum für Musik und Kultur.
Leipzig is considered an important center for music and culture.