01
glühend
glowing
So hot that it gives off light by itself. Often used for metals, coal, or lava.
example
Der Schmied formte das glühende Eisen mit dem Hammer.
The blacksmith shaped the glowing iron with the hammer.
glühend
glowing
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Participle as adjective
'Glühend' (glowing) is the present participle of the verb 'glühen' (to glow). It is used like a normal adjective and is declined before a noun.
EXAMPLE
Vorsicht, das Metall ist noch glühend!
Careful, the metal is still glowing!
Context clue
The noun that 'glühend' (glowing/ardent/scorching) describes reveals the meaning. 'Glühendes Eisen' (glowing iron) means physical heat, a 'glühender Anhänger' (ardent supporter) means passion, and 'glühende Hitze' (scorching heat) refers to the weather.
EXAMPLE
Der Vulkan spuckte glühende Lava.
The volcano spewed glowing lava.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning, 'glühend' (ardent) is often combined with people or feelings. Typical examples are 'ein glühender Anhänger' (an ardent supporter), 'eine glühende Verehrerin' (an ardent admirer), or 'glühender Hass' (burning hatred).
EXAMPLE
Er ist ein glühender Fan dieser Fußballmannschaft.
He is an ardent fan of this football team.
Use with weather
To describe extreme heat from the sun, 'glühend' (scorching) is often combined with words like 'Hitze' (heat) or 'Sonne' (sun). A typical phrase is 'in der glühenden Mittagssonne' (in the scorching midday sun).
EXAMPLE
Sie suchten Schutz vor der glühenden Nachmittagshitze.
They sought shelter from the scorching afternoon heat.
Compare with
glühend vs heiß
hot
'heiß' and 'glühend' can both describe very strong heat or strong feelings. 'heiß' is the general word for high temperature and fits many everyday situations. 'glühend' is stronger and more vivid. Literally, it fits things that glow from heat, such as coal or metal, or extreme sun. Figuratively, 'glühend' describes very strong enthusiasm or passion. You can remember it this way: everything that is 'glühend' is very hot, but not everything that is 'heiß' is glowing.
glühend
Die glühende Kohle lag noch lange im Grill.
The glowing coal stayed in the grill for a long time.
heiß
Meine Schwester hat auf der Reise einen heißen Kaffee verschüttet.
My sister spilled a hot coffee during the trip.
In real life
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