die Lichterkette
string lights
A series of small electric lights connected by a cable, usually used as decoration.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben den Weihnachtsbaum mit einer Lichterkette geschmückt.
We decorated the Christmas tree with string lights.
die Lichterkette
string lights / candlelight vigil
die Lichterkette, die Lichterketten
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Meanings
die Lichterkette
candlelight vigil
A long line of people holding burning candles or other lights to demonstrate together in support of a cause.
EXAMPLE
Tausende Menschen bildeten eine Lichterkette gegen Rassismus und Gewalt.
Thousands of people formed a candlelight vigil against racism and violence.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Lichterkette, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Lichterketten |
| genitive | der Lichterkette |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Lichterkette | die Lichterketten |
| accusative | die Lichterkette | die Lichterketten |
| dative | der Lichterkette | den Lichterketten |
| genitive | der Lichterkette | der Lichterketten |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Compound word
'Lichterkette' (string of lights / candlelight vigil) is made up of 'Lichter' (lights) and 'Kette' (chain). It refers to a chain or line made up of many lights.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Balkon hängt den ganzen Winter eine Lichterkette.
A string of lights hangs on the balcony all winter.
Context clue
With the decorative meaning, words related to decoration and lighting often appear alongside it. When it refers to a demonstration, the accompanying words usually relate to people, a cause, or a political action.
EXAMPLE
Die Lichterkette im Schaufenster leuchtet schon am frühen Abend.
The string lights in the shop window are already lit in the early evening.
Die Lichterkette setzte ein Zeichen für Frieden und Zusammenhalt.
The candlelight vigil sent a message of peace and solidarity.
Typical collocations
For decorative 'Lichterkette' (string lights), common expressions include 'eine Lichterkette aufhängen' (to hang string lights), 'eine Lichterkette anbringen' (to put up string lights), and 'eine Lichterkette einschalten' (to turn on string lights).
EXAMPLE
Vor dem Fest haben wir eine Lichterkette an der Haustür angebracht.
Before the celebration, we put up string lights around the front door.
Demonstration
In the meaning of a joint action, 'Lichterkette' (candlelight vigil) is often used with verbs such as 'bilden' (to form), 'organisieren' (to organize), or 'veranstalten' (to hold). This is often followed by information about what the people are demonstrating for or against.
EXAMPLE
Die Bürger organisierten eine Lichterkette gegen Gewalt in der Stadt.
The citizens organized a candlelight vigil against violence in the city.
In real life
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