enlightened / solved / cleared
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enlightened
Thinking rationally, well informed, tolerant, and free of prejudice; acting in the spirit of the Enlightenment.
Sie führt mit ihren Kindern sehr offene und aufgeklärte Gespräche über alle Themen.
She has very open and enlightened conversations with her children about all topics.
'Aufgeklärt' (enlightened / solved / cleared) is the past participle of the separable verb 'aufklären' (to clarify, solve, enlighten). The basic idea of 'aufklären' is to make something 'klar' (clear). This idea connects all the meanings: making unclear thoughts (m01), an unclear crime (m02), or an unclear sky (m03) clear.
Der Detektiv hat den Fall schnell aufgeklärt.
The detective solved the case quickly.
In this meaning, 'aufgeklärt' (enlightened) describes a person, society, or way of thinking as modern, rational, and tolerant. It is often combined with nouns such as 'Mensch' (person), 'Gesellschaft' (society), or 'Denken' (thinking).
Er ist ein sehr aufgeklärter Zeitgenosse und offen für neue Ideen.
He is a very enlightened contemporary and open to new ideas.
When it comes to solving problems, 'aufgeklärt' (solved) is used for crimes, riddles, misunderstandings, or unclear matters. It then often appears with nouns such as 'Fall' (case), 'Verbrechen' (crime), or 'Mysterium' (mystery).
Dank eines Zeugen ist der Diebstahl nun vollständig aufgeklärt.
Thanks to a witness, the theft is now fully solved.
This meaning is used exclusively for the weather, usually with reference to the sky. An 'aufgeklärter Himmel' (cleared sky) is a sky without clouds.
Nach dem Regen war der Himmel wieder aufgeklärt und die Sonne schien.
After the rain, the sky was clear again and the sun was shining.
clear
'klar' and 'aufgeklärt' can both have to do with something no longer being unclear. 'klar' describes the state: you can understand something well, and there is no doubt. 'aufgeklärt' is used here more when a problem, a mystery, or a case has been solved. It emphasizes the process: someone has investigated something and made it understandable. The words can be confused because after an explanation or investigation, something is clear. But you are more likely to say 'der Fall ist aufgeklärt' (the case has been solved) and 'die Erklärung ist klar' (the explanation is clear).
Der Fehler im System wurde nach zwei Stunden aufgeklärt.
The error in the system was resolved after two hours.
Nach dem Anruf sind die Reisepläne endlich klar.
After the phone call, the travel plans are finally clear.