marriage
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marriage / wedding
A solemn, often ceremonial marriage ceremony. Today the term is mostly used in an elevated or historical context, for example for weddings of nobles.
Die Vermählung des Prinzenpaares wurde im Fernsehen übertragen.
The marriage of the princely couple was broadcast on television.
'Vermählung' (marriage/wedding) is a very formal and elevated word for a marriage ceremony. It is used almost only in literary, historical, or fairy-tale contexts, as well as in reporting about the nobility.
In dem Roman wird die heimliche Vermählung der beiden Hauptfiguren beschrieben.
The novel describes the secret marriage of the two main characters.
The noun 'die Vermählung' (marriage/wedding) belongs to the equally formal verb 'sich vermählen' (to get married). Both words share the same elevated style.
Das Paar wird sich im Mai feierlich vermählen.
The couple will solemnly get married in May.
Because of its formal character, the word is often associated with nobility and ceremonies. Typical phrases are 'die königliche Vermählung' (the royal wedding) or 'die feierliche Vermählung' (the solemn marriage ceremony).
Die ganze Welt schaute bei der königlichen Vermählung zu.
The whole world watched the royal wedding.
wedding / heyday
Hochzeit is the neutral everyday term for the celebration or ceremony marking a marriage. Vermählung refers to the same event in a more solemn way and nowadays usually sounds elevated or historical. Use Hochzeit in normal conversation, and Vermählung in an aristocratic or deliberately solemn portrayal.
Am Samstag wird die Vermählung des Prinzen im Schloss gefeiert.
On Saturday, the prince’s marriage will be celebrated at the palace.
Am Samstag feiern Lena und Amir ihre Hochzeit im kleinen Kreis.
On Saturday, Lena and Amir are celebrating their wedding in a small gathering.
