to sparkle
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to sparkle
To emit or reflect small, bright flashes of light. Often used for stars, gemstones, or smooth surfaces in the light.
Die Diamanten in der Auslage funkelten im Scheinwerferlicht.
The diamonds in the display window sparkled in the spotlight.
to sparkle
Describes eyes that shine or gleam because of a strong emotion such as joy, anger, or excitement.
Seine Augen funkelten vor Zorn, als er die Nachricht hörte.
His eyes sparkled with anger when he heard the news.
The verb 'funkeln' (to sparkle) is closely related to the noun 'der Funke' (spark). It describes the emitting of many small, quick flashes of light that look like little sparks.
Der frisch gefallene Schnee funkelte in der Wintersonne.
The freshly fallen snow sparkled in the winter sun.
You can easily recognize the meanings from the subject of the sentence. If the subject is an object (stars, jewelry), it is about light. If the subject is 'Augen' (eyes), it is about a strong emotion.
Die Sterne funkelten am klaren Nachthimmel.
The stars sparkled in the clear night sky.
In this meaning, 'funkeln' (to sparkle) is used for things that reflect light or shine on their own. Typical subjects are 'Sterne' (stars), 'Edelsteine' (gemstones), 'Tautropfen' (dew drops), or 'Schnee' (snow).
Die Tautropfen auf dem Spinnennetz funkelten am Morgen.
The dew drops on the spiderweb sparkled in the morning.
When eyes sparkle, the cause is often expressed with the preposition 'vor' and the dative. Typical phrases are 'vor Freude funkeln' (to sparkle with joy), 'vor Wut funkeln' (to sparkle with anger), or 'vor Begeisterung funkeln' (to sparkle with excitement).
Als er das Geschenk sah, funkelten seine Augen vor Freude.
When he saw the present, his eyes sparkled with joy.
to shine / to light
Leuchten describes visible brightness, which can also be steady. Funkeln, on the other hand, emphasizes small, changing flashes of light or point-like reflections. For a star, funkeln is appropriate when its light appears to flicker; leuchten is sufficient for mere brightness.
Der Stern funkelt unruhig über dem Dorf.
The star flickers restlessly over the village.
Der Stern leuchtet ruhig über dem Dorf.
The star shines steadily over the village.
