vigil
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vigil
A quiet, peaceful gathering of people in a public place to remember a tragic event, protest against injustice, or draw attention to a social problem.
Nach dem Unglück versammelten sich hunderte Menschen zu einer Mahnwache mit Kerzen auf dem Marktplatz.
After the accident, hundreds of people gathered for a candlelight vigil in the market square.
The word is made up of 'mahnen' (to remind, warn) and 'Wache' (keeping watch). A 'Mahnwache' is therefore a gathering that remembers something terrible or warns against something.
Die Bürger organisierten eine Mahnwache für die Opfer des Unglücks.
The citizens organized a vigil for the victims of the accident.
In connection with 'Mahnwache,' the verb 'abhalten' (to hold) is used very frequently. Other typical phrases are 'an einer Mahnwache teilnehmen' (to take part in a vigil) or 'zu einer Mahnwache aufrufen' (to call for a vigil).
Die Organisation hat zu einer Mahnwache vor dem Rathaus aufgerufen.
The organization called for a vigil in front of the town hall.
Vigils are almost always peaceful and quiet. They are often described with the adjectives 'still' (quiet) or 'schweigend' (silent) and frequently take place 'mit Kerzen' (with candles).
In stiller Trauer nahmen die Menschen an der Mahnwache teil.
The people took part in the vigil in quiet mourning.
demonstration
A Demonstration and a Mahnwache are both public, peaceful ways of drawing attention to a social issue. A Mahnwache is typically quiet and held in a fixed location, whereas a Demonstration is usually more active and often takes the form of a procession through the city. The format determines which word is more appropriate.
Bei der stillen Mahnwache vor dem Rathaus erinnerten die Menschen an die Opfer des Unglücks.
At the silent vigil in front of the town hall, people remembered the victims of the disaster.
Die Demonstration zog laut durch die Stadt und protestierte gegen die geplante Fabrik.
The demonstration made its way loudly through the city, protesting against the planned factory.
