lighthouse
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lighthouse
A tall tower on a coast or island that emits a strong light to help ships navigate at night or in bad weather.
Der Leuchtturm von Warnemünde ist ein bekanntes Wahrzeichen.
The lighthouse of Warnemünde is a well-known landmark.
beacon
In a figurative sense, a person, project, or institution that serves as a widely visible role model and provides orientation.
Das innovative Energieprojekt gilt als Leuchtturm für die ganze Region.
The innovative energy project is considered a beacon for the whole region.
'Leuchtturm' (lighthouse) is made up of the stem of the verb 'leuchten' (to shine) and the noun 'der Turm' (tower). So it is literally a 'leuchtender Turm' (shining tower).
Bei Nebel sieht man nur das Licht des Leuchtturms.
In fog, you can only see the light of the lighthouse.
The figurative meaning comes directly from the function of a real lighthouse: giving orientation. If the sentence is about the coast and shipping, it means the real tower. If it is about business, politics, or society, it means a role model or beacon.
Das Schiff navigierte sicher am Leuchtturm vorbei.
The ship navigated safely past the lighthouse.
In the figurative meaning, the fixed compound 'Leuchtturmprojekt' (flagship project/beacon project) is often used. Phrases like 'als Leuchtturm dienen' (to serve as a beacon) or 'als Leuchtturm gelten' (to be considered a beacon) are also very common.
Die neue Bibliothek ist ein Leuchtturmprojekt für die ganze Stadt.
The new library is a flagship project for the whole city.
