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Mahnmal

memorial, monument serving as a warning

noun MAHN-mahl Rare
Travel & Places Landmarks

Usage Note

Mahnmal is a memorial specifically intended to warn future generations, not merely to commemorate the past. It carries a moral imperative (mahnen = to admonish); the Holocaust Mahnmal in Berlin is the most prominent example.

Examples

"Das Mahnmal erinnert an das Leid der Kriegsopfer und mahnt uns, nie zu vergessen."

Natural Translation

The memorial reminds us of the suffering of the war victims and urges us never to forget.

Literal Translation

The memorial reminds of the suffering of the war victims and admonishes us, never to forget.

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