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Bergfried

keep, main tower of a castle

noun BERK-freed Rare

Usage Note

Bergfried is the tall, narrow main defensive tower of a German medieval castle, used as a last refuge rather than living quarters. It is the defining feature of the Höhenburg (hilltop castle) type.

Examples

"Vom Bergfried der Burg kann man weit über das Rheintal blicken."

Natural Translation

From the castle keep one can look far across the Rhine Valley.

Literal Translation

From the keep of the castle one can look far over the Rhine valley.

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