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.
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.
basement
'der Keller' and 'die Katakombe' can both be underground or in the lower part of a building. But a 'Keller' is a normal part of a house or building and is often used for storage. Catacombs are actually old underground passages and rooms, especially burial sites. Colloquially, 'Katakomben' also means large, winding basement or lower-level areas, for example in a stadium. The words can be confused because both can be underground. For the normal room in a house, you almost always say 'Keller'; 'Katakomben' sounds historical or figurative for large passages on the lower level.
Unter dem alten Stadion führte uns Mehmet durch die dunklen Katakomben.
Under the old stadium, Mehmet led us through the dark catacombs.
Die Familie stellt die alten Fahrräder in den Keller.
The family puts the old bicycles in the basement.