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.
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 / seem
'scheinen' and 'funkeln' both describe visible light. 'scheinen' is general and fits when light is present evenly or falls on something. 'funkeln' is more specific: it means small, bright points of light or brief flashes of light. It is often used for stars, jewelry, or something smooth in the light. So 'scheinen' is more neutral, while 'funkeln' describes a lively, often beautiful sparkle.
Über dem See funkeln die Sterne am klaren Himmel.
Above the lake, the stars sparkle in the clear sky.
Abends scheint das Licht der Straßenlaterne in mein Zimmer.
In the evening, the light from the streetlamp shines into my room.