glühen
to glow
To emit light because of intense heat, without burning or having a flame. This is typical of metals or coal at high temperatures.
EXAMPLE
Das Eisen glühte rot in der Esse des Schmieds.
The iron glowed red in the blacksmith's forge.
glühen
to glow / burn
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Meanings
glühen
to glow
Figuratively, to be very hot or feel very hot, often referring to the human body. It can be caused by fever, exertion, shame, or exposure to the sun.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Sonnenbad glühte ihre Haut am ganzen Körper.
After sunbathing, her skin was glowing all over her body.
glühen für
to burn for
Figuratively, to feel very strong passion, enthusiasm, or devotion for a person, an idea, or an activity.
EXAMPLE
Sie ist eine echte Künstlerin, die für ihre Arbeit glüht.
She is a true artist who burns for her work.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'glühen' (to glow) is closely related to the noun 'die Glut' (embers/glow). 'Glut' refers to the red-glowing, hot mass of something that burns without a flame, such as charcoal. This connection helps you understand the core meaning of intense, flameless heat.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Feuer war nur noch die Glut der Kohlen zu sehen.
After the fire, only the glow of the coals could still be seen.
Context clue
You can tell whether 'glühen' (to glow) is meant literally or figuratively from the subject. If we are talking about metal or coal, it is about real heat. If we are talking about body parts like cheeks or skin, it is usually a reaction to emotions, exertion, or fever.
EXAMPLE
Das Metall begann in der Hitze zu glühen.
The metal began to glow in the heat.
Typical collocations
In the literal meaning, 'glühen' (to glow) is often combined with materials that become very hot. Typical subjects are 'das Eisen' (the iron), 'der Stahl' (the steel), 'das Metall' (the metal), or 'die Kohle' (the coal).
EXAMPLE
Die Kohlen im Grill glühen perfekt für das Fleisch.
The coals in the grill are glowing perfectly for the meat.
Typical collocations
When it is about the body, 'glühen' (to glow) is often combined with the causes. Typical phrases are 'vor Fieber glühen' (to glow with fever), 'vor Scham glühen' (to glow with shame), or 'vor Anstrengung glühen' (to glow from exertion).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem langen Lauf glühte sein Gesicht vor Anstrengung.
After the long run, his face was glowing from exertion.
Fixed preposition
To express that someone has a great passion for something, 'glühen' (to burn) is always used with the preposition 'für' (for) and the accusative. The structure is: jemand glüht für etwas/jemanden (someone burns for something/someone).
EXAMPLE
Er glüht für den Umweltschutz und engagiert sich in vielen Projekten.
He burns for environmental protection and is involved in many projects.
Compare with
glühen vs brennen
to burn
Brennen and glühen can both occur with intensely heated coal. Brennen tends to indicate fire or a flame, while glühen describes light and intense heat without a flame. Use brennen for visible flames; with hot, red-glowing coal without a flame, glühen is more appropriate.
glühen
Die Kohle glüht noch rot, obwohl keine Flammen mehr zu sehen sind.
The coal is still glowing red, although there are no more flames to be seen.
brennen
Die Kohle brennt noch, und über dem Grill stehen kleine Flammen.
The coal is still burning, and small flames are rising above the grill.
In real life
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