gläsern
made of glass
Consisting of the material glass.
EXAMPLE
Der Konferenztisch war modern und komplett gläsern.
The conference table was modern and completely made of glass.
gläsern
glass / transparent
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Meanings
gläsern
transparent
In a figurative sense, transparent, see-through, or easy to monitor. Often used to describe a lack of privacy.
EXAMPLE
Durch die umfassende Datensammlung wird der Bürger immer gläserner.
Through extensive data collection, citizens are becoming increasingly transparent.
gläsern
fragile / cold
Figuratively, fragile, brittle, or lacking emotional warmth.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Streit herrschte ein gläsernes Schweigen zwischen ihnen.
After the argument, a cold, fragile silence hung between them.
Usage tips
Word formation
The adjective 'gläsern' (made of glass/glass) is derived from the noun 'das Glas' (glass). The ending '-ern' is often used to describe a material something is made of.
EXAMPLE
Die gläserne Vase zerbrach in tausend Stücke.
The glass vase shattered into a thousand pieces.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning 'durchschaubar' (transparent/see-through), 'gläsern' (transparent) is often used in socially critical contexts. A very common phrase is 'der gläserne Bürger' (the transparent citizen) or 'der gläserne Mensch' (the transparent person), used to describe the loss of privacy through data collection.
EXAMPLE
Viele Menschen fürchten sich davor, zum gläsernen Bürger zu werden.
Many people are afraid of becoming transparent citizens.
Context clue
The meaning 'zerbrechlich' (fragile) or 'kühl' (cold) is usually recognized in connection with emotions or moods. Typical examples are 'ein gläsernes Lächeln' (a fake, fragile smile) or 'gläsernes Schweigen' (a cold, tense silence).
EXAMPLE
Sie gab ihm nur ein kurzes, gläsernes Lächeln.
She gave him only a brief, fragile smile.
Compare with
gläsern vs transparent
transparent
Both words can express openness and the absence of concealment. Transparent usually describes clear, understandable processes or information, whereas gläsern places more emphasis on people losing their privacy and being easy to monitor. Use transparent for understandable procedures and gläsern for a critically perceived lack of privacy and monitorability.
gläsern
Durch die ständige Überwachung fühlen sich viele Bürger gläsern.
Many citizens feel constantly watched because of the ongoing surveillance.
transparent
Die Stadt erklärt transparent, wie sie das Geld für das neue Projekt verwendet.
The city clearly explains how it is using the money for the new project.
In real life
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