glänzend
shiny
Describing a surface that strongly reflects light and shines. The opposite of matte.
EXAMPLE
Sie polierte das Silberbesteck, bis es glänzend war.
She polished the silver cutlery until it was shiny.
glänzend
shiny / excellent
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Meanings
glänzend
excellent
In a figurative sense, used for something that is outstanding, excellent, or very successful.
EXAMPLE
Er hat sein Examen mit einem glänzenden Ergebnis bestanden.
He passed his exam with an excellent result.
glänzend
radiant
Describes a healthy, radiant, and lively appearance in people or animals.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Urlaub sah sie erholt und einfach glänzend aus.
After the vacation, she looked rested and simply radiant.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Glänzend' is formally the present participle of the verb 'glänzen' (to shine). Like many participles, it can be used as an adjective to describe a quality that is currently active—something that shines.
EXAMPLE
Die Sonne scheint auf die glänzende Wasseroberfläche.
The sun is shining on the shiny surface of the water.
Context clue
The meaning of 'glänzend' depends on the noun. If it refers to a surface (paint, eyes), it means 'shiny' or 'gleaming'. If it refers to something abstract (idea, result), it means 'excellent'.
EXAMPLE
Das Auto hat einen neuen, glänzenden Lack.
The car has new, shiny paint.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning 'hervorragend' (excellent), 'glänzend' is often used for successes and positive prospects. Typical phrases are 'glänzende Noten' (excellent grades), 'eine glänzende Karriere' (a brilliant career), 'ein glänzendes Geschäft' (an excellent deal/business), or 'eine glänzende Zukunft' (a bright future).
EXAMPLE
Mit diesen Qualifikationen hat er glänzende Aussichten auf dem Arbeitsmarkt.
With these qualifications, he has excellent prospects on the job market.
Use for people
When 'glänzend' describes a person, it often refers to their appearance or mood. The phrase 'glänzend aussehen' means that someone looks very good, healthy, and rested.
EXAMPLE
Du siehst heute aber glänzend aus! Warst du im Urlaub?
You look absolutely radiant today! Were you on vacation?
Compare with
glänzend vs hervorragend
excellent / protruding
Hervorragend and glänzend can both evaluate a result or performance very positively. Hervorragend is the neutral, general evaluation, while glänzend sounds more emphatically complimentary and often conveys an especially successful impression. Use hervorragend for an objective evaluation and glänzend for emphatic praise.
glänzend
Die Schülerin hat bei der Prüfung eine glänzende Leistung gezeigt.
The student gave a brilliant performance in the exam.
hervorragend
Die Schülerin hat bei der Prüfung eine hervorragende Leistung gezeigt.
The student gave an excellent performance in the exam.
In real life
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