shrine
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shrine
A holy place or an artistically designed container used for the worship of a deity or saint, or for storing relics.
In der alten Kapelle steht ein Schrein mit den Gebeinen des Stadtpatrons.
In the old chapel, there is a shrine containing the bones of the city's patron saint.
The word 'Schrein' (shrine) is usually used in an elevated, literary, or solemn context. In everyday language, it is rather rare for a simple small box.
Der Dichter verwahrte seine ersten Manuskripte in einem hölzernen Schrein.
The poet kept his first manuscripts in a wooden chest.
You can recognize the religious meaning from words like 'heilig' (holy), 'Reliquie' (relic), 'Altar' (altar), 'Kirche' (church), or 'Tempel' (temple). In this context, the shrine describes a place of worship.
Pilger aus aller Welt besuchen den Schrein des Heiligen.
Pilgrims from all over the world visit the saint's shrine.
When a place or a collection of objects is referred to as a 'Schrein' (shrine), it is often meant metaphorically. It expresses that someone treats this place or these things with great reverence.
Ihre Plattensammlung ist ihr persönlicher Schrein, den niemand berühren darf.
Her record collection is her personal shrine, which no one is allowed to touch.
It is often described what is kept in a shrine or what it was built for. Typical formulations are 'ein Schrein für jemanden/etwas' (a shrine for someone/something) or 'etwas in einem Schrein aufbewahren' (to keep something in a shrine).
Für die Krone wurde ein eigener Schrein aus Gold und Edelsteinen angefertigt.
A separate shrine made of gold and precious stones was created for the crown.
altar
'der Altar' and 'der Schrein' can both be connected to worship, religion, or remembrance. An altar is usually a table-like place for a ceremony, for example in a church or temple. A shrine is more of a holy place or a special container, often for relics, a deity, or a venerated person. The words can be confused because both sound solemn and religious. If an action or ceremony takes place there, 'Altar' often fits. If something sacred is kept there or especially venerated, 'Schrein' is more likely to fit.
Im kleinen Schrein lagen Blumen und Fotos einer verehrten Heiligen.
In the small shrine lay flowers and photos of a venerated saint.
Vor dem Altar zündete die Familie eine Kerze an.
The family lit a candle in front of the altar.