memoir
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memoir
A written record of personal memories and experiences, often published in book form. The word is used almost exclusively in the plural 'Memoiren' (memoirs).
Viele berühmte Persönlichkeiten schreiben im Alter ihre Memoiren.
Many famous people write their memoirs in old age.
This word is almost always used in the plural form 'die Memoiren' (the memoirs). The singular form 'die Memoire' (the memoir) is extremely rare and should be avoided by learners.
Die Memoiren des ehemaligen Kanzlers wurden ein Bestseller.
The former chancellor's memoirs became a bestseller.
'Memoiren' (memoirs) is often combined with verbs that describe creating or publishing a book. Typical phrases are: 'Memoiren schreiben' (to write memoirs), 'Memoiren veröffentlichen' (to publish memoirs), or 'seine Memoiren verfassen' (to compose one's memoirs).
Der alte General entschied sich, seine Memoiren zu schreiben.
The old general decided to write his memoirs.
'Memoiren' (memoirs) does not simply mean memories, but rather a written collection of life memories, often published as a book. Usually it is the life story of a well-known person.
In seinen Memoiren berichtet der Politiker von entscheidenden Momenten seiner Karriere.
In his memoirs, the politician reports on decisive moments in his career.
diary
'Tagebuch' and 'Memoiren' both have to do with personal experiences and memories. You usually write a 'Tagebuch' regularly during or shortly after the experiences. It can be very private and does not have to be intended for others. 'Memoiren' are written later by a person, often looking at their whole life or important periods of their life. They are often published as a book. The words can be confused because both contain personal experiences. Remember: 'Tagebuch' accompanies life day by day; 'Memoiren' look back later.
Nach seiner langen Reise schreibt der Politiker seine Memoiren.
After his long journey, the politician writes his memoirs.
Das Tagebuch liegt neben ihrem Bett, weil sie jeden Abend ein paar Zeilen schreibt.
The diary lies next to her bed because she writes a few lines every evening.