memorial
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memorial
A monument, memorial site, or structure built to commemorate an important person or a significant event.
In Washington D.C. besuchten wir das Lincoln Memorial.
In Washington, D.C., we visited the Lincoln Memorial.
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.
Das Holocaust-Memorial in Berlin ist eine wichtige Gedenkstätte.
The Holocaust Memorial in Berlin is an important memorial site.
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.
Das Memorial in Augusta ist eines der wichtigsten Turniere im Golfsport.
The Memorial in Augusta is one of the most important tournaments in golf.
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).
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.
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.
Der Historiker fand im Archiv ein altes Memorial an den König.
The historian found an old memorandum to the king in the archive.
monument / landmark
'das Denkmal' and 'das Memorial' can both mean a structure or place that commemorates an important person or event. 'Denkmal' is the normal German word and works in many everyday situations, for example for statues, memorial plaques, or large structures. 'Memorial' is often used as an official or international-sounding name for a memorial site. It sounds less everyday. The words can be confused because their meanings overlap strongly. If you are speaking generally, 'Denkmal' is usually more natural; 'Memorial' is especially suitable for fixed names or modern places of remembrance.
Im Urlaub haben wir das große Memorial am Hafen besichtigt.
On vacation, we visited the large memorial by the harbor.
Die Schulklasse besuchte ein Denkmal zur Erinnerung an die deutsche Teilung.
The school class visited a monument commemorating the division of Germany.