das Konzentrationslager, –
concentration camp
Ein Ort, an dem sehr viele Menschen gegen ihren Willen festgehalten, schlecht behandelt und oft getötet wurden.
The German word "Konzentrationslager" is a compound noun made up of:
- Konzentration = concentration, focusing, gathering
- Lager = camp, storage place
Together, "Konzentrationslager" literally means "concentration camp." Historically, it refers to camps where large groups of people were detained under harsh conditions, especially during the Nazi era.
Similar words:
- Gefangenenlager (prisoner camp)
- Arbeitslager (labor camp)
Differences:
- Konzentrationslager specifically denotes camps for the mass detention and persecution of groups, often without judicial process.
- Gefangenenlager emphasizes imprisonment, not necessarily mass or political detention.
- Arbeitslager highlights forced labor as the central aspect.
"Konzentrationslager" carries a strong historical and emotional weight beyond simple detention.
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Examples
Das Konzentrationslager Auschwitz ist ein düsteres Symbol für den Holocaust.noun
The Auschwitz concentration camp is a grim symbol of the Holocaust.
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