memorial
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memorial
A monument intended to commemorate a tragic event, crime, or victims. It serves as a warning and a call for reflection for future generations.
Das Holocaust-Mahnmal in Berlin erinnert an die ermordeten Juden Europas.
The Holocaust Memorial in Berlin commemorates the murdered Jews of Europe.
'Mahnmal' (memorial) is made up of the verb 'mahnen' (to warn, to remind) and 'das Mal' (mark, monument). So it is a monument that serves as a warning or serious reminder.
Das Mahnmal in der Stadtmitte soll an die Opfer des Krieges erinnern.
The memorial in the city center is meant to commemorate the victims of the war.
To describe the purpose of a memorial, the prepositions 'für' (for), 'gegen' (against), or 'an' (to/in memory of) are often used. This structure helps show whom or what is being commemorated.
Es ist ein Mahnmal für die Opfer von politischer Gewalt.
It is a memorial for the victims of political violence.
In connection with a 'Mahnmal' (memorial), the verbs 'errichten' (to build), 'einweihen' (to officially inaugurate), or 'besuchen' (to visit) are often used.
Die Stadt plant, ein neues Mahnmal zu errichten.
The city is planning to build a new memorial.
time / mark
'das Mal' and 'das Mahnmal' can both mean a structure or marker used for remembrance. But 'das Mal' in this meaning is rare, rather formal or old-fashioned. 'das Mahnmal' is much more precise: it especially commemorates a terrible event, victims, or a crime, and is also meant to serve as a warning. Learners may confuse the words because the word 'Mal' is part of 'Mahnmal'. In normal German, for such places you almost always say 'Mahnmal' when remembrance and warning are important.
Die Klasse besucht ein Mahnmal für die Opfer des Krieges.
The class visits a memorial for the victims of the war.
Auf dem Hügel steht ein altes Mal zur Erinnerung an die früheren Bewohner.
On the hill, there is an old memorial in remembrance of the former inhabitants.