vigil
Loading your saved state.
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
'Demonstration' and 'Mahnwache' are both public gatherings that people can use to draw attention to an issue. 'Demonstration' is broader and can be loud, large, and mobile, for example with signs, speeches, and a march through the city. A 'Mahnwache' is usually quieter and calmer. People often stay in one place, remember a terrible event, or protest peacefully against injustice. The words can be confused because both can have a political or social message. 'Demonstration' fits general protest; 'Mahnwache' fits when remembrance and the quiet form are important.
Bei der Mahnwache stellten die Menschen Kerzen auf den Platz.
At the vigil, people placed candles in the square.
Nach der Arbeit gehe ich mit meiner Kollegin zur Demonstration vor dem Rathaus.
After work, I'm going to the demonstration in front of city hall with my colleague.