das Leuchtfeuer
beacon
A strong light or fire that serves to guide ships and aircraft and warn them of dangers.
EXAMPLE
Das Leuchtfeuer weist den Schiffen den Weg durch die schmale Fahrrinne.
The beacon guides the ships through the narrow channel.
das Leuchtfeuer
beacon
das Leuchtfeuer, die Leuchtfeuer
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Meanings
das Leuchtfeuer
beacon
Something or someone that serves as a source of guidance and an example for others.
EXAMPLE
Ihre Arbeit ist ein Leuchtfeuer für viele junge Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler.
Her work is a beacon for many young scientists.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Leuchtfeuer, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Leuchtfeuer |
| genitive | des Leuchtfeuers |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Leuchtfeuer | die Leuchtfeuer |
| accusative | das Leuchtfeuer | die Leuchtfeuer |
| dative | dem Leuchtfeuer | den Leuchtfeuern |
| genitive | des Leuchtfeuers | der Leuchtfeuer |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Compound word
'Leuchtfeuer' (beacon) is made up of 'Leucht-' (shining) and 'Feuer' (fire). Literally, the word refers to a fire or light that shines visibly and can therefore provide guidance.
EXAMPLE
Bei dichtem Nebel war das Leuchtfeuer an der Küste besonders wichtig.
In the dense fog, the beacon on the coast was especially important.
Typical collocations
In its literal meaning, 'Leuchtfeuer' (beacon) is often associated with coasts, shipping, and navigation. Typical collocations include 'ein Leuchtfeuer sehen' (to see a beacon), 'ein Leuchtfeuer erkennen' (to recognize a beacon), and 'ein Leuchtfeuer zur Warnung nutzen' (to use a beacon as a warning).
EXAMPLE
Die Besatzung konnte das Leuchtfeuer trotz des starken Regens erkennen.
The crew could recognize the beacon despite the heavy rain.
Figurative use
In its figurative meaning, 'Leuchtfeuer' (beacon) is often used with 'für' (for) or 'als' (as). It then refers to a person, idea, or body of work that provides guidance and hope to others.
EXAMPLE
Die mutige Ärztin gilt für viele Menschen als Leuchtfeuer der Hoffnung.
The courageous doctor is considered a beacon of hope by many people.
In real life
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