minute of silence
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minute of silence
A short period of time, usually one minute, during which a group of people remain silent together in order to remember the deceased, honor a tragic event, or express sympathy.
Vor Beginn der Veranstaltung wurde eine Schweigeminute für die Opfer des Unglücks eingelegt.
Before the event began, a minute of silence was observed for the victims of the accident.
The word is a clear compound made from the stem of the verb 'schweigen' (to be silent) and the noun 'die Minute' (minute). So it literally means 'a minute of silence'.
Alle mussten während der Prüfung schweigen.
Everyone had to be silent during the exam.
'Die Schweigeminute' (minute of silence) is often used with fixed verbs. The most common are 'eine Schweigeminute einlegen' (to observe a minute of silence), 'eine Schweigeminute abhalten' (to hold a minute of silence), or 'um eine Schweigeminute bitten' (to ask for a minute of silence).
Der Präsident bat die Anwesenden um eine Schweigeminute.
The president asked those present for a minute of silence.
A 'Schweigeminute' (minute of silence) is a fixed part of commemorative events and ceremonies in German-speaking countries. It serves as a shared, silent sign of respect, mourning, or solidarity.
Das Parlament ehrte den verstorbenen Politiker mit einer Schweigeminute.
Parliament honored the deceased politician with a minute of silence.