01
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
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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
'der Schein' and 'der Glanz' can both have to do with light. 'Der Schein' refers more to the light that comes from a source, for example the sun, a lamp, or a candle. 'Der Glanz' refers more to the light reflected back from a smooth surface, for example on metal, glass, or freshly polished shoes. Learners may confuse the words because both look bright. As a simple guide: a lamp has a 'Schein' (glow), while a polished surface has 'Glanz' (shine).
Glanz
Nach dem Putzen hatte der alte Tisch wieder einen schönen Glanz.
After being cleaned, the old table had a beautiful shine again.
Schein
Im Schein der Taschenlampe fanden wir den Weg zum Haus.
In the glow of the flashlight, we found the way to the house.
In real life
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