moated castle
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moated castle
A castle that is completely surrounded by an artificial or natural body of water for defensive purposes, for example a moat or a lake.
Die Wasserburg Mespelbrunn im Spessart ist ein beliebtes Ausflugsziel.
Mespelbrunn moated castle in the Spessart is a popular excursion destination.
The word is a clear compound of 'das Wasser' (water) and 'die Burg' (castle). So it literally describes a castle that has to do with water—more precisely, one that is surrounded by water.
Die alte Wasserburg ist heute ein Museum.
The old moated castle is now a museum.
Since it is a historical building, 'Wasserburg' (moated castle) is often combined with verbs like 'besichtigen' (to tour/visit), 'besuchen' (to visit), or 'erkunden' (to explore). Verbs like 'erbauen' (to build) or 'restaurieren' (to restore) are also typical.
Am Wochenende wollen wir eine Wasserburg in der Nähe besichtigen.
At the weekend, we want to tour a moated castle nearby.
Moated castles are a typical architectural form in flat, water-rich regions of Germany, such as the Münsterland or the Lower Rhine. Many of them are now popular tourist destinations.
Das Münsterland ist bekannt für seine vielen schönen Wasserburgen.
The Münsterland is known for its many beautiful moated castles.
castle / lock
'Schloss' and 'Wasserburg' can both be large historical buildings that you can visit. 'Schloss' focuses more on an impressive residence of nobles or rulers. 'Wasserburg' is more specific: it is a castle surrounded by water, for example by a moat or lake, and it mainly had a defensive function. Learners may confuse the words because both seem old and impressive. When water and defense are important, 'Wasserburg' is more precise; when it is about a stately residence, 'Schloss' fits better.
In der Pause zeigt Mia ein Foto von einer Wasserburg mit breitem Graben.
During the break, Mia shows a photo of a moated castle with a wide moat.
Alina besucht am Wochenende ein Schloss, um die alten Räume zu sehen.
Alina is visiting a castle this weekend to see the old rooms.