to X-ray / scrutinize
Loading your saved state.
to X-ray
To examine something or someone with X-rays or similar radiation in order to make the inside visible. This is used especially in medicine and at security checks.
Der Arzt musste den Brustkorb des Patienten durchleuchten, um die Lunge zu überprüfen.
The doctor had to X-ray the patient's chest to check the lungs.
to scrutinize
In a figurative sense, to examine and analyze a person, an organization, or a matter very closely and critically.
Die Finanzbehörde wird die Bilanzen des Unternehmens vollständig durchleuchten.
The tax authority will fully scrutinize the company's balance sheets.
to shine through
To shine a light source through something in order to make it visible or transparent.
Sie hielt das Blatt Papier gegen die Lampe, um das Wasserzeichen zu durchleuchten.
She held the sheet of paper up to the lamp to shine through it and see the watermark.
'Durchleuchten' is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'durch-' remains firmly attached to the verb 'leuchten' (to shine) in all tenses and sentence constructions.
Der Arzt durchleuchtet den Patienten.
The doctor X-rays the patient.
The verb is made up of 'durch' (through) and 'leuchten' (to shine). The basic idea of 'shining through something' appears in all meanings, whether literally with light or figuratively in an investigation.
Die Sonne durchleuchtete die dünnen Vorhänge.
The sun shone through the thin curtains.
You can tell whether the medical or figurative meaning is intended from the object. Concrete objects like 'Koffer' (suitcase) or 'Lunge' (lung) point to the literal meaning, while abstract things like 'Bilanzen' (balance sheets) or 'ein System' (a system) point to the investigative meaning.
Am Flughafen wird jedes Gepäckstück durchleuchtet.
At the airport, every piece of luggage is X-rayed.
to check / review
When referring to people or organizations, überprüfen usually means checking specific information, facts, or requirements. Durchleuchten, in the figurative sense, means conducting a particularly comprehensive and critical investigation that also takes the background into account. Use überprüfen for a limited check; use durchleuchten for an in-depth overall analysis.
Vor der wichtigen Besetzung durchleuchtet die Firma den gesamten beruflichen Hintergrund des Bewerbers.
Before making this important appointment, the company scrutinizes the applicant’s entire professional background.
Die Firma überprüft die Angaben im Lebenslauf des Bewerbers.
The company checks the information in the applicant’s résumé.
