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leuchtend
bright
Describing a very intense, strong, and vivid color.
example
Sie trug ein T-Shirt in einem leuchtenden Gelb.
She wore a T-shirt in a bright yellow.
leuchtend
bright / shining
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
'Leuchtend' (bright/shining) is the present participle of the verb 'leuchten' (to shine, to glow). This form is used as an adjective and keeps the basic meaning of radiance, whether with colors, light, or in a figurative sense.
EXAMPLE
Die Glühwürmchen leuchteten in der Dunkelheit.
The fireflies glowed in the darkness.
Typical collocations
To describe an intense color, 'leuchtend' is placed directly before a color adjective. Typical examples are 'leuchtend rot' (bright red), 'leuchtend grün' (bright green), or 'leuchtend blau' (bright blue).
EXAMPLE
Das Plakat war in leuchtenden Farben gedruckt, um Aufmerksamkeit zu erregen.
The poster was printed in bright colors to attract attention.
Context clue
When 'leuchtend' refers to light, it often describes things that shine by themselves or strongly reflect light, such as 'leuchtende Sterne' (shining stars) or 'leuchtende Augen' (shining eyes) from joy.
EXAMPLE
Als sie das Geschenk sah, bekam sie leuchtende Augen.
When she saw the gift, her eyes lit up.
Fixed expression
The figurative, exemplary meaning is used almost only in the fixed expression 'ein leuchtendes Beispiel' (a shining example).
EXAMPLE
Sein unermüdlicher Einsatz für andere ist ein leuchtendes Beispiel für Zivilcourage.
His tireless commitment to others is a shining example of civil courage.
Compare with
leuchtend vs dunkel
dark
'dunkel' and 'leuchtend' are often opposites when it comes to light or colors. 'dunkel' describes little light or a color that is not light. 'leuchtend' describes something bright, radiant, or a very vivid color. With a room, a lamp, or a color, the difference is clear: 'dunkel' feels weak or close to black, while 'leuchtend' feels bright and eye-catching.
leuchtend
Vor der Reise hat Anna einen leuchtend roten Koffer gekauft.
Before the trip, Anna bought a bright red suitcase.
dunkel
Im Flur ist es dunkel, weil die Lampe kaputt ist.
It is dark in the hallway because the lamp is broken.
In real life
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