will-o'-the-wisp
das Irrlicht, die Irrlichter
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will-o'-the-wisp
A weak, flickering light observed especially over swamps or damp ground, which was often considered a supernatural phenomenon in the past.
In der Dunkelheit glaubten die Wanderer, über dem Sumpf ein Irrlicht zu sehen.
In the darkness, the hikers thought they saw a will-o'-the-wisp over the swamp.
false hope / temptation
A deceptive hope, idea, or temptation that leads someone in the wrong direction.
Die angeblich schnelle Lösung erwies sich als Irrlicht und brachte das Projekt nicht weiter.
The supposedly quick solution turned out to be a false hope and did not move the project forward.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Irrlichter |
| genitive | des Irrlichts |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Irrlicht | die Irrlichter die Irrlichte |
| accusative | das Irrlicht | die Irrlichter die Irrlichte |
| dative | dem Irrlicht | den Irrlichtern den Irrlichten |
| genitive | des Irrlichts des Irrlichtes | der Irrlichter der Irrlichte |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Irrlicht' consists of 'Irr-' and 'Licht' (light). The part 'Irr-' belongs to the word family of 'irren' (to be mistaken / to go astray) and helps you remember the word: this light can lead someone down the wrong path.
Die Reisenden folgten dem Irrlicht und verloren den Weg.
The travelers followed the will-o'-the-wisp and lost their way.
You often encounter 'Irrlicht' in legends, fairy tales, and eerie stories. There, the word often contributes to a mysterious or threatening atmosphere.
Zwischen den dunklen Bäumen tanzten Irrlichter, und niemand wagte sich näher.
Will-o'-the-wisps danced among the dark trees, and no one dared to come closer.
In its figurative meaning, you can use 'einem Irrlicht folgen' (to follow a will-o'-the-wisp) or 'einem Irrlicht hinterherjagen' (to chase after a will-o'-the-wisp). In both expressions, 'Irrlicht' is in the dative; a phrase with 'des' or 'der' often makes clear which temptation is meant.
Mit dieser riskanten Investition jagte er dem Irrlicht des schnellen Reichtums hinterher.
With this risky investment, he chased after the will-o'-the-wisp of quick riches.
