die Helligkeit
brightness
The quality of being bright or of emitting or reflecting a lot of light.
EXAMPLE
Die Helligkeit des Bildschirms lässt sich anpassen.
The brightness of the screen can be adjusted.
die Helligkeit
brightness
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
die Helligkeit
brightness
In physics and astronomy, a measure of the light intensity or luminosity of an object, for example a star.
EXAMPLE
Die scheinbare Helligkeit eines Sterns hängt von seiner Entfernung und seiner tatsächlichen Leuchtkraft ab.
The apparent brightness of a star depends on its distance and its actual luminosity.
die Helligkeit
Your Brightness
An outdated, respectful form of address for a high-ranking person, similar to 'Excellency' or 'Highness'.
EXAMPLE
In alten Schriften wird der Fürst als „Eure Helligkeit“ angesprochen.
In old writings, the prince is addressed as 'Your Brightness.'
Usage tips
Word structure
'Helligkeit' (brightness) is formed from the adjective 'hell' (bright) with the ending '-keit'. This pattern of making a noun from an adjective with '-keit' is very common in German, e.g. 'Sauberkeit' (cleanliness), 'Freundlichkeit' (friendliness).
EXAMPLE
Die Freundlichkeit der Mitarbeiter hat uns sehr gefreut.
The friendliness of the employees made us very happy.
Typical collocations
In everyday language, 'Helligkeit' (brightness) is often used in connection with technical devices or light sources. Typical verbs are 'die Helligkeit einstellen' (to set the brightness), 'regulieren' (to regulate), or 'anpassen' (to adjust).
EXAMPLE
Die Helligkeit meines Handys ist auf automatisch eingestellt.
The brightness of my phone is set to automatic.
Register: technical language
As a measure of luminosity, 'Helligkeit' (brightness) is a technical term from physics and astronomy. In normal language use, this specific meaning occurs rarely.
EXAMPLE
Der Astronom misst die Helligkeit des neu entdeckten Kometen.
The astronomer measures the brightness of the newly discovered comet.
Register: outdated
The form of address 'Eure Helligkeit' (Your Brightness) is outdated and is no longer used today. You only still find it in historical novels, fairy tales, or films set in the past.
EXAMPLE
Der Diener verbeugte sich und sagte: „Wie befehlen Eure Helligkeit?“
The servant bowed and said, 'What are Your Brightness's orders?'
Compare with
Helligkeit vs Licht
light
Licht refers to the brightness itself that is present in a room. Helligkeit refers to the quality or degree of being bright. So you need more Licht, but you can assess or change the Helligkeit.
Helligkeit
Für die Arbeit erhöhen wir die Helligkeit im Raum.
We are increasing the brightness in the room so we can work.
Licht
Für die Arbeit brauchen wir mehr Licht im Raum.
We need more light in the room to work.
In real life
Loading video examples...