noun
der Graben, ¨-
ditch · trench
The German word "Graben" is a noun and also a verb:
- As a noun, Graben means "ditch", "trench", or "moat".
- As a verb (graben), it means "to dig".
Word meaning for the components:
- The noun is a stand-alone word.
- The verb graben is not composed of smaller meaningful parts.
Similar words:
- Grabung (excavation)
- Mulde (hollow, depression)
- Kanal (canal, channel)
Differences:
- Graben (ditch/trench) is a natural or artificial long, narrow excavation; Grabung emphasizes the act or process of digging, usually archaeological.
- Mulde is typically a natural depression, while a Graben is often man-made.
- Kanal is broader and usually refers to a watercourse.
In short, "Graben" is both the ditch itself and the action of digging.
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Examples
Der Graben liegt neben unserem Haus.noun
The ditch is next to our house.
Der Erdarbeiter hat einen Graben ausgehoben.noun
The earth worker dug a trench.
Ein Graben trennt die beiden Grundstücke.noun
A ditch separates the two properties.
Vorsichtig stehen sie am Rand des Grabens.noun
Carefully they stand at the edge of the ditch.
Im Garten wurde ein neuer Graben gezogen.noun
In the garden, a new ditch was dug.
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