Denkmal
/ˈdɛŋkˌmaːl/neuter
The English word "memorial" can be translated into German as Denkmal. Wiktionary also lists Mahnmal.
Meaning: structure (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Denkmal | /ˈdɛŋkˌmaːl/ | neuter |
| Mahnmal | [ˈmaːnˌmaːl] (narrow) | neuter |
The term refers to a structure. For more specific types of memorials, you can use Gedenkstätte for a memorial site, Gedenkstein for a memorial stone or Mahnmal for a monument of remembrance.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Denkmal is a compound of denken (to think) and Mal (mark/sign), which literally means a "thought-mark".
Which one should you use?
While Denkmal is a general term for a monument, it is often used for celebratory monuments. In contrast, Mahnmal specifically refers to a memorial intended as a warning or a reminder of a tragedy or crime, carrying a more somber, cautionary connotation.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Denkmal is Denkmäler, and the plural of Mahnmal is Mahnmale.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdɛŋkˌmaːl/
Did you know?
- The word Denkmal is also used in German to describe a protected historic building, similar to the English term 'listed building'.
- In German, the word Mal used in these phrases does not refer to a 'time' or 'occurrence', but to a 'mark' or 'sign'.
- The term Denkmal is often used metaphorically in German to describe a lasting achievement that ensures someone is remembered by posterity.
Examples in context
- Ich habe ein interessantes Mahnmal gesehen.I have seen an interesting memorial.This sentence shows how to use the word Mahnmal.Tatoeba #1808078 by pne, translation #1363168 by YoavR
- Besuchen Sie die Gedenkstätte, um den Gefallenen Tribut zu zollenVisit the memorial site to pay tribute to the fallen
- Lassen Sie uns an diesem Gedenkstein innehaltenLet us pause by this memorial stone
- Das Mahnmal steht für die Opfer des Zweiten WeltkriegsThe memorial stands for the victims of World War II
- Wir pflegen das Gedenken an unsere VorfahrenWe cherish the memory of our ancestors
- Am Fensterbrett stehen viele ErinnerungsstückeThere are many mementos on the windowsill
- Dieses Denkmal erinnert an die Opfer des KriegesThis memorial commemorates the victims of the war
- Das Denkmal ist sehr groß.The memorial is very large.
- Wir bauen ein neues Denkmal.We are building a new memorial.
Example conversation
Julia and Felix are walking through a city park.
- JuliaSchau mal, dort steht ein Denkmal.Look, there is a memorial standing there.
- FelixJa, es sieht wirklich beeindruckend aus.Yes, it looks really impressive.
- JuliaWissen wir, wofür es gebaut wurde?Do we know what it was built for?
- FelixIch glaube, es ist ein Denkmal für Kriegshelden.I believe it is a memorial for war heroes.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “memorial” translations and entries Denkmal, Mahnmal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Denkmal, Mahnmal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
