glänzen
to shine
To reflect light on a smooth surface and thereby glow or shimmer brightly.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Polieren glänzte das Silberbesteck wieder.
After polishing, the silver cutlery shone again.
glänzen
to shine
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Meanings
glänzen
to shine
In a figurative sense: to give an outstanding performance; to stand out through special abilities or knowledge.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat in der mündlichen Prüfung mit ihrem Wissen geglänzt.
She shone in the oral exam with her knowledge.
glänzen durch Abwesenheit
to be conspicuous by absence
A fixed expression that ironically says that someone whose presence was expected is noticeably not there.
EXAMPLE
Bei der wichtigen Teambesprechung glänzte der Projektleiter durch Abwesenheit.
At the important team meeting, the project manager was conspicuous by his absence.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'glänzen' (to shine) is closely related to the noun 'der Glanz' (shine/luster). When something 'glänzt' (shines), it has 'Glanz' (shine). This connection helps you understand the basic meaning of light and brilliance.
EXAMPLE
Der Glanz des neuen Autos war beeindruckend.
The shine of the new car was impressive.
Context clue
You can tell whether the literal or figurative meaning is intended from the subject. If an object or a body part is the subject, such as the stars or his eyes, the literal meaning is usually intended. If a person is the subject, it is often about an outstanding performance.
EXAMPLE
Seine Augen glänzten vor Freude.
His eyes shone with joy.
Use with a preposition
When someone 'glänzt' (shines) through an achievement, the preposition 'mit' (with) followed by the dative is often used to name the ability. Alternatively, 'in' with the dative describes the subject area.
EXAMPLE
Der Redner glänzte mit Witz und Charme.
The speaker shone with wit and charm.
Fixed expression
The expression 'durch Abwesenheit glänzen' (to be conspicuous by one's absence) is a fixed, ironic phrase. It is always used in this form to express that someone is noticeably absent, even though he or she should have been there.
EXAMPLE
Alle waren da, nur der Chef glänzte mal wieder durch Abwesenheit.
Everyone was there; only the boss was once again conspicuous by his absence.
Compare with
glänzen vs leuchten
to shine / to light
Leuchten can describe brightness produced by a source’s own light or by reflected light. Glänzen is more precise when a smooth surface clearly reflects light. A sign can therefore leuchten because it emits light, while its polished surface glänzt in the sunlight.
glänzen
Das frisch polierte Schild glänzt tagsüber im Sonnenlicht.
The freshly polished sign gleams in the sunlight during the day.
leuchten
Das Schild leuchtet nachts mit rotem Licht.
The sign glows red at night.
In real life
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