pillar
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pillar
A massive, vertical support made of stone, concrete, or steel that holds up a structure such as a bridge or a large building.
Die alte Brücke wird von drei dicken Steinpfeilern getragen.
The old bridge is supported by three thick stone pillars.
pillar
A person or thing that plays a fundamental and supporting role in a system, organization, or community.
Die ehrenamtlichen Helfer sind ein wichtiger Pfeiler unseres Vereins.
The volunteer helpers are an important pillar of our association.
In its literal meaning, 'Pfeiler' (pillar) is often combined with verbs like 'tragen' (to support/carry) or 'stützen' (to support). A bridge or a roof can, for example, 'auf Pfeilern ruhen' (rest on pillars).
Die gesamte Dachkonstruktion ruht auf vier massiven Pfeilern.
The entire roof structure rests on four massive pillars.
You can recognize the figurative meaning from the context: If 'Pfeiler' (pillar) refers to structures like bridges or buildings, it means the support. If it refers to people, organizations, or abstract concepts, it means the supporting role.
Meine Großmutter ist ein wichtiger Pfeiler unserer Familie.
My grandmother is an important pillar of our family.
In the figurative meaning, 'Pfeiler' (pillar) is often used with adjectives like 'wichtig' (important), 'stark' (strong), or 'tragend' (supporting) to emphasize the fundamental role of a person or thing.
Kleine und mittlere Unternehmen sind ein tragender Pfeiler der deutschen Wirtschaft.
Small and medium-sized businesses are a supporting pillar of the German economy.
The figurative use of 'Pfeiler' (pillar) for a supporting person or thing is typical of a more formal, slightly elevated style, for example in newspaper articles or speeches.
Der Trainer gilt als der zentrale Pfeiler des Erfolgs der Mannschaft.
The coach is considered the central pillar of the team's success.
post
Pfosten and Pfeiler are vertical supports. A Pfosten is usually slender and beam-shaped and can also serve to fasten or mark off something. A Pfeiler, by contrast, is a massive support that carries a large structure such as a bridge or a building.
Ein massiver Betonpfeiler trägt die schwere Brücke über dem Fluss.
A massive concrete pillar supports the heavy bridge over the river.
Ein schlanker Betonpfosten trägt das leichte Dach über dem Eingang.
A slender concrete post supports the lightweight roof over the entrance.
