das Vermächtnis
Translation
legacy, bequest, inheritance
Examples
Er hinterließ ein großes Vermächtnis.
He left a great legacy.
Das ist das Vermächtnis seiner Eltern.
This is his parents' legacy.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to leave ((a legacy)) He left a cultural legacy.
the legacy of ((sb.)) This is the artist's legacy.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Erbe, Hinterlassenschaft
Etymology
Derived from 'vermachen' (to bequeath). 'Ver-' implies transfer and 'machen' means 'to make', so it's something 'made over' to another person.
Memory Tips
Break it down: 'ver-' (away) + '-mächt-' (from 'make'). It's what someone makes and leaves behind.