relic
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relic
An object that is religiously venerated as the remains of a saint or as an object that has been in contact with them.
Im Domschatz wird eine wertvolle Reliquie aus dem Mittelalter aufbewahrt.
A valuable relic from the Middle Ages is kept in the cathedral treasury.
The meaning can be recognized well from context. If the sentence is about religion, saints, or churches, it means a religious object. If it is about personal memories, heirlooms, or the past, the figurative meaning is meant.
In der Kathedrale wird eine Reliquie des Stadtpatrons gezeigt.
A relic of the city's patron saint is displayed in the cathedral.
In a religious context, 'Reliquie' is often combined with words like 'heilig' (holy), 'verehren' (to venerate), 'Schrein' (shrine), or 'aufbewahren' (to keep/store).
Tausende Pilger kamen, um die heilige Reliquie zu verehren.
Thousands of pilgrims came to venerate the holy relic.
The second meaning is a metaphor. An ordinary object is called a 'Reliquie' (relic) because it has very high sentimental or emotional value and is treated like a holy object.
Er hütet das erste Auto seines Vaters wie eine Reliquie.
He guards his father's first car like a relic.
souvenir / memory
'das Andenken' and 'die Reliquie' can both mean an object that you keep because of the memory attached to it. 'Andenken' is the normal word for a souvenir or keepsake, for example from a trip or from a person. 'Reliquie' sounds more special and often more solemn. In its non-religious meaning, it refers to an old object with great sentimental value. Learners may confuse the words because both connect things with memory. In everyday life, 'Andenken' is usually the right choice. 'Reliquie' fits better when an object is very old, rare, or almost venerated.
Das alte Fotoalbum liegt wie eine Reliquie in der Schublade.
The old photo album lies in the drawer like a relic.
Aus Berlin brachte Anna ihrer Mutter ein kleines Andenken mit.
Anna brought her mother a small souvenir from Berlin.