der Glanz
shine
The reflection of light on a smooth, polished surface.
EXAMPLE
Der Glanz des frisch polierten Parketts spiegelte das Sonnenlicht.
The shine of the freshly polished parquet floor reflected the sunlight.
der Glanz
shine / splendor
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Meanings
der Glanz
splendor
A magnificent, impressive aura; grandeur or glory.
EXAMPLE
Die Ausstellung lässt den alten Glanz der Königsfamilie wieder aufleben.
The exhibition brings the royal family's former splendor back to life.
der Glanz
sparkle
A special gleam in the eyes that expresses joy, enthusiasm, or another strong emotion.
EXAMPLE
Als sie von ihrer Reise erzählte, hatte sie einen besonderen Glanz in den Augen.
When she talked about her trip, she had a special sparkle in her eyes.
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Glanz' (shine/splendor) is the noun related to the verb 'glänzen' (to shine). When something 'glänzt' (shines), then it has 'Glanz' (shine). This connection helps you remember both words together.
EXAMPLE
Die Sonne lässt den Schnee glänzen.
The sun makes the snow shine.
Typical collocations
To describe the physical shine of a surface, the noun is often combined with adjectives such as 'seidiger Glanz' (silky shine), 'matter Glanz' (matte sheen), or 'metallischer Glanz' (metallic shine). A product can also 'Glanz verleihen' (add shine) to a surface.
EXAMPLE
Das neue Shampoo verleiht dem Haar einen seidigen Glanz.
The new shampoo gives the hair a silky shine.
Figurative meaning
In its figurative meaning, 'Glanz' (splendor) describes grandeur and fame. Fixed expressions include 'in neuem Glanz erstrahlen' (to shine in new splendor) or 'der Glanz alter Zeiten' (the splendor of former times). Here it is not about light, but about prestige and impression.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Renovierung erstrahlt das alte Schloss in neuem Glanz.
After the renovation, the old castle shines in new splendor.
Fixed expression
The expression 'einen Glanz in den Augen haben' (to have a sparkle in one's eyes) is a fixed idiom. It describes the gleam in the eyes of a person who is very happy or enthusiastic.
EXAMPLE
Als er von seinen Kindern erzählte, bekam er einen ganz besonderen Glanz in die Augen.
When he talked about his children, he got a very special sparkle in his eyes.
Compare with
Glanz vs Schein
bill / glow / appearance
Schein is the light given off by a source such as a lamp. Glanz, by contrast, occurs when light is reflected off a smooth or polished surface. Schein is therefore appropriate for illumination, while Glanz refers to the visible effect of light on the surface.
Glanz
Der Glanz des frisch polierten Tisches ist im Licht der Lampe deutlich zu sehen.
The shine of the freshly polished table is clearly visible in the lamplight.
Schein
Der Schein der Lampe fällt auf den frisch polierten Tisch.
The glow from the lamp falls on the freshly polished table.
In real life
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