leuchten
to shine
To emit light or reflect brightly.
EXAMPLE
Die Laternen leuchten in der Dunkelheit.
The streetlights shine in the darkness.
leuchten
to shine / to light
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
leuchten
to shine
Figuratively, used for eyes that shine with a strong emotion such as joy or excitement.
EXAMPLE
Seine Augen leuchteten, als er das Geschenk sah.
His eyes shone when he saw the present.
leuchten
to shine a light
To aim a light source at something in order to make it visible.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir mal mit der Taschenlampe in den Motorraum leuchten?
Can you shine the flashlight into the engine compartment for me?
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'leuchten' (to shine) is closely related to the noun 'das Licht' (light). An object that shines in order to brighten a room is also called 'die Leuchte' (lamp/light fixture).
EXAMPLE
Diese neue Leuchte über dem Esstisch ist sehr hell.
This new light fixture above the dining table is very bright.
Typical light sources
In its basic meaning, 'leuchten' (to shine) is often combined with things that emit light by themselves or reflect it. Typical subjects are stars, the moon, lamps, candles, or screens.
EXAMPLE
In der klaren Nacht leuchteten die Sterne am Himmel.
On the clear night, the stars shone in the sky.
Context clue: eyes
In its figurative meaning, 'leuchten' (to shine) is used almost exclusively in connection with 'Augen' (eyes). It describes an expression of strong, positive feelings such as joy, enthusiasm, or love.
EXAMPLE
Als sie von ihrer Reise erzählte, leuchteten ihre Augen vor Begeisterung.
When she talked about her trip, her eyes shone with enthusiasm.
Use with a preposition
When 'leuchten' means to direct light at something, it is usually followed by a preposition with the accusative that indicates direction. Typical prepositions are 'in' (into), 'auf' (onto), or 'unter' (under).
EXAMPLE
Er leuchtete mit der Taschenlampe unter das Bett, um seine Socken zu finden.
He shone the flashlight under the bed to find his socks.
Compare with
leuchten vs scheinen
to shine / seem
Both words can be used for visible light from the sun or a lamp. Scheinen often emphasizes that light falls on something or is visibly present, while leuchten places more emphasis on the bright appearance of the light source. Choose scheinen for the illumination and leuchten for the striking light source.
leuchten
Die Sonne leuchtet hell über den Dächern.
The sun shines brightly above the rooftops.
scheinen
Die Sonne scheint durch das Fenster auf den Tisch.
The sun shines through the window onto the table.
In real life
Loading video examples...