das Memorial
memorial
A monument, memorial site, or structure built to commemorate an important person or a significant event.
EXAMPLE
In Washington D.C. besuchten wir das Lincoln Memorial.
In Washington, D.C., we visited the Lincoln Memorial.
das Memorial
memorial
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Meanings
das Memorial
memorial tournament
A regularly held sporting event conducted in memory of a deceased figure from the respective sport.
EXAMPLE
Der berühmte Golfer gewann das prestigeträchtige Memorial-Turnier in Ohio.
The famous golfer won the prestigious Memorial Tournament in Ohio.
das Memorial
memorandum / petition
A formal written presentation of facts or arguments submitted to an authority or a court; a memorandum or petition.
EXAMPLE
Der Anwalt reichte ein ausführliches Memorial ein, um die Position seines Mandanten zu untermauern.
The lawyer submitted a detailed memorandum to support his client's position.
Usage tips
Word family
The word 'Memorial' comes from the Latin word 'memoria,' which means 'memory' or 'remembrance.' This origin connects all the meanings, since it is always about remembering a person, an event, or a fact.
EXAMPLE
Das Holocaust-Memorial in Berlin ist eine wichtige Gedenkstätte.
The Holocaust Memorial in Berlin is an important memorial site.
Context clues
You can easily recognize the exact meaning of 'Memorial' from the context. In connection with architecture or history, it means a monument or memorial. If the topic is sports, it is a memorial tournament. In a legal or political context, it is a memorandum.
EXAMPLE
Das Memorial in Augusta ist eines der wichtigsten Turniere im Golfsport.
The Memorial in Augusta is one of the most important tournaments in golf.
Typical collocations
When referring to a monument or memorial, 'Memorial' is often used with verbs such as 'besuchen' (to visit), 'errichten' (to build), 'enthüllen' (to unveil), or 'einweihen' (to inaugurate/dedicate).
EXAMPLE
Die Stadt plant, ein Memorial für die Opfer der Flut zu errichten.
The city is planning to build a memorial for the victims of the flood.
Register and style
In the meaning of 'Denkschrift' (memorandum), 'Memorial' is a very formal term from legal and administrative language. You will hear this use only rarely in everyday life.
EXAMPLE
Der Historiker fand im Archiv ein altes Memorial an den König.
The historian found an old memorandum to the king in the archive.
Compare with
Memorial vs Denkmal
monument / landmark
Denkmal and Memorial can both refer to a structure or site created for remembrance. Denkmal is the usual general German term. Memorial sounds more like an official or foreign-language-influenced designation and is especially appropriate when that is what the site is called.
Memorial
In der offiziellen Broschüre wird die neue Anlage als Memorial für die Opfer bezeichnet.
The official brochure refers to the new site as a memorial to the victims.
Denkmal
Die Einwohner nennen die neue Anlage meist ein Denkmal für die Opfer.
Residents usually call the new site a monument to the victims.
In real life
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