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.
monument / landmark
Denkmal and Mahnmal can both commemorate victims or historical events. Denkmal is the more general and neutral term. A Mahnmal commemorates a tragic event and explicitly connects this remembrance with a warning or reminder for the future.
Auf dem Platz warnt ein Mahnmal vor den Folgen von Krieg und Gewalt.
A memorial in the square warns of the consequences of war and violence.
Auf dem Platz erinnert ein Denkmal an die Opfer des Angriffs.
A monument in the square commemorates the victims of the attack.
