01
blendend
dazzling
So brightly shining that it bothers the eyes or temporarily blinds you.
example
Die blendende Wintersonne spiegelte sich im Schnee.
The dazzling winter sun was reflected in the snow.
blendend
dazzling / excellent
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Blendend' (dazzling/excellent) is the present participle of the verb 'blenden' (to dazzle/blind). This verb means to prevent someone from seeing with bright light. All meanings of 'blendend' (dazzling/excellent) are derived from this strong, positive effect.
EXAMPLE
Die Scheinwerfer des entgegenkommenden Autos blendeten mich.
The headlights of the oncoming car dazzled me.
Adverbial use
'Blendend' (dazzling/excellent) is very often used as an adverb to express that someone is doing very well or that something is working excellently. It then often appears with verbs like 'gehen' (to go), 'sich fühlen' (to feel), or 'sich verstehen' (to get along).
EXAMPLE
Wie geht es dir? – Danke, blendend!
How are you? – Thanks, excellent!
Context clue
You can recognize the literal meaning from the context of light sources. Typical words in this context are 'Sonne' (sun), 'Licht' (light), or 'Scheinwerfer' (headlights/spotlights).
EXAMPLE
Das blendende Licht der Taschenlampe traf direkt meine Augen.
The dazzling light of the flashlight hit my eyes directly.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'hervorragend' (excellent), 'blendend' (excellent) is often combined with abstract nouns. Common combinations are a 'blendende Idee' (brilliant idea), a 'blendende Zukunft' (bright future), or 'blendende Noten' (excellent grades).
EXAMPLE
Sie hat eine blendende Karriere als Anwältin gemacht.
She has had an excellent career as a lawyer.
Typical collocations
When it refers to people, 'blendend' (excellent) often describes appearance or mood. Typical phrases are 'blendend aussehen' (to look excellent) or 'in blendender Laune sein' (to be in an excellent mood).
EXAMPLE
Er war nach dem Urlaub in blendender Verfassung.
After the vacation, he was in excellent shape.
Compare with
blendend vs gesund
healthy
'gesund' and 'blendend' can both describe that a person is doing well. 'gesund' means, in a factual way, that someone is not ill. 'blendend' is stronger and sounds very positive: someone looks very good, is in a very good mood, or feels very good. Learners can confuse the words because after an illness you can say that someone is healthy again or looks excellent. 'gesund' fits the medical condition. 'blendend' is more suitable for a very good impression or a very good mood.
blendend
Nach dem Urlaub sieht mein Vater blendend aus.
After the vacation, my father looks excellent.
gesund
Nach der Grippe fühlt sich Yara wieder gesund.
After the flu, Yara feels healthy again.
In real life
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