light source
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light source
An object or phenomenon that produces and emits light. This can be a natural source like the sun or an artificial one like a lamp.
Für gute Fotos ist die Wahl der richtigen Lichtquelle entscheidend.
For good photos, choosing the right light source is crucial.
This word is made up of 'Licht' (light) and 'Quelle' (source). So the meaning is literally a 'source of light.'
Die Sonne ist unsere wichtigste natürliche Lichtquelle.
The sun is our most important natural light source.
In the literal meaning, a distinction is often made between 'natürlichen Lichtquellen' (natural light sources, e.g., sun, fire) and 'künstlichen Lichtquellen' (artificial light sources, e.g., lamp, candle).
Für die Pflanzenzucht im Winter braucht man eine künstliche Lichtquelle.
For growing plants in winter, you need an artificial light source.
You can recognize the figurative meaning from the context. If it is about hope, knowledge, or inspiration, the metaphorical meaning is intended. Technical or physical contexts point to the literal meaning.
Seine Bücher waren für mich eine wichtige Lichtquelle des Wissens.
His books were an important source of light and knowledge for me.
In the figurative sense, 'Lichtquelle' (source of light) is often combined with a genitive that describes the kind of enlightenment, e.g., 'eine Lichtquelle der Hoffnung' (a source of hope), 'der Freude' (of joy), or 'der Inspiration' (of inspiration).
Ihre positive Einstellung war für das ganze Team eine Lichtquelle der Motivation.
Her positive attitude was a source of motivation for the whole team.
light
'das Licht' and 'die Lichtquelle' are closely connected, but they do not mean the same thing. 'das Licht' is the brightness itself that lets you see something. It can also mean the lamp or another simple lighting device. 'die Lichtquelle', on the other hand, is the origin of the light, for example the sun, a candle, or a lamp. It is easy to confuse the words because a lamp gives light, so both can appear in the same situation. In practical terms: when you are talking about brightness, 'Licht' fits. When you are asking where the brightness comes from, 'Lichtquelle' fits.
Für das Foto stellte Lisa eine kleine Lampe als Lichtquelle neben den Tisch.
For the photo, Lisa placed a small lamp next to the table as a light source.
Im Flur ist das Licht zu schwach, deshalb sehe ich die Stufen kaum.
The light in the hallway is too dim, so I can barely see the steps.