catacomb
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catacomb
An underground system of passages and rooms that was used in antiquity, especially by early Christians, as a burial site. Usually used in the plural.
Touristen können die berühmten Katakomben von Rom besichtigen.
Tourists can visit the famous catacombs of Rome.
catacombs
Colloquially, the corridors and rooms in the basement or lower level of a large building, especially a stadium.
Nach dem Spiel verschwanden die Spieler schnell in den Katakomben des Stadions.
After the game, the players quickly disappeared into the catacombs of the stadium.
The word 'Katakombe' (catacomb) is almost always used in the plural, as 'die Katakomben' (the catacombs). This applies both to the historical burial sites and to the colloquial meaning.
Die Mannschaft zog sich nach dem Spiel in die Katakomben zurück.
The team retreated into the catacombs after the game.
You can easily recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about history, ancient cities, or burials, the historical meaning is intended. If people are talking about a stadium or a large modern building, the figurative meaning is meant.
In Paris kann man Teile der historischen Katakomben besuchen.
In Paris, you can visit parts of the historical catacombs.
The use for basement corridors in large buildings is a figurative extension. The often long, winding, and underground passages are reminiscent of the historical catacombs.
Nur Mitarbeiter haben Zutritt zu den Katakomben der Konzerthalle.
Only employees have access to the catacombs of the concert hall.
crypt
A Gruft and a Katakombe are underground burial places. A Gruft is usually a single burial chamber, for example for a family. A Katakombe, by contrast, is part of an extensive historical complex of underground passages and rooms and is usually used in the plural.
Unter der Stadt führen die Katakomben durch zahlreiche Gänge und Grabkammern.
The catacombs beneath the city run through numerous passages and burial chambers.
Unter der Kirche liegt die Gruft der adeligen Familie.
The noble family’s crypt lies beneath the church.
