sight / attraction
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sight / attraction
A place, building, or object that is especially interesting to tourists and visitors because of its historical, cultural, or natural significance.
Das Brandenburger Tor ist eine berühmte Sehenswürdigkeit in Berlin.
The Brandenburg Gate is a famous sight in Berlin.
The word is a compound made up of 'sehen' (to see), 'würdig' (worthy), and the ending '-keit' (-ness). A 'Sehenswürdigkeit' (sight/attraction) is therefore literally something that is 'worthy of being seen.'
Die alte Burg ist eine wichtige Sehenswürdigkeit der Region.
The old castle is an important sight in the region.
The adjective 'sehenswert' (worth seeing) is closely related. If a place is a 'Sehenswürdigkeit' (sight/attraction), then it is also 'sehenswert' (worth seeing).
Die Altstadt mit ihren kleinen Gassen ist wirklich sehenswert.
The old town with its small alleys is really worth seeing.
In connection with sights, the verbs 'besichtigen' (to visit/tour) or 'besuchen' (to visit) are often used. The verb 'besichtigen' is more specific to tourist attractions.
Im Urlaub wollen wir alle wichtigen Sehenswürdigkeiten der Stadt besichtigen.
On vacation, we want to visit all the important sights in the city.
When talking about tourism or the attractions of a city, this word is very often used in the plural.
Welche Sehenswürdigkeiten kannst du in deiner Heimatstadt empfehlen?
Which sights can you recommend in your hometown?
landmark
A Sehenswürdigkeit is a place or building that visitors find especially interesting. A Wahrzeichen is additionally a distinctive symbol of a city or region. Use Sehenswürdigkeit for a tourist destination being visited, and Wahrzeichen for its symbolic significance; both can apply at the same time.
Der Kölner Dom ist eine beliebte Sehenswürdigkeit für Besucher.
Cologne Cathedral is a popular attraction for visitors.
Der Kölner Dom gilt als Wahrzeichen der Stadt Köln.
Cologne Cathedral is considered a landmark of the city of Cologne.
