der Reflektor
reflector
A device that reflects light, heat, or other rays or directs them in a particular direction.
EXAMPLE
Der Reflektor der Lampe bündelt das Licht auf den Tisch.
The lamp's reflector focuses the light onto the table.
der Reflektor
reflector
der Reflektor, die Reflektoren
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Meanings
der Reflektor
reflector
A reflective element on a vehicle, bicycle, or traffic obstacle that is illuminated by headlights and thereby increases visibility.
EXAMPLE
Bei Dunkelheit muss das Fahrrad hinten einen roten Reflektor haben.
In the dark, the bicycle must have a red reflector at the back.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Reflektor, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Reflektoren |
| genitive | des Reflektors |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Reflektor | die Reflektoren |
| accusative | den Reflektor | die Reflektoren |
| dative | dem Reflektor | den Reflektoren |
| genitive | des Reflektors | der Reflektoren |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Context clue
The words around it often show which meaning is intended: With 'Lampe' (lamp), 'Taschenlampe' (flashlight), or 'Licht' (light), it usually refers to an optical component. With 'Fahrrad' (bicycle), 'Auto' (car), 'Straße' (road), or 'Sichtbarkeit' (visibility), it usually refers to a safety element used in traffic.
EXAMPLE
Der Reflektor der Taschenlampe verteilt das Licht gleichmäßig.
The flashlight's reflector distributes the light evenly.
Die Reflektoren am Fahrrad machen den Fahrer nachts besser sichtbar.
The reflectors on the bicycle make the rider more visible at night.
Typical collocations
In its technical meaning, 'Reflektor' (reflector) often occurs with verbs such as 'Licht bündeln' (to focus light), 'Licht zurückwerfen' (to reflect light), or 'Strahlen lenken' (to direct rays). Typical compounds include 'Lampenreflektor' (lamp reflector) and 'Wärmereflektor' (heat reflector).
EXAMPLE
Ein Reflektor im Scheinwerfer lenkt das Licht gezielt auf die Straße.
A reflector in the headlight directs the light precisely onto the road.
Traffic context
In traffic contexts, 'Reflektor' (reflector) is often described using colors, positions, and visibility. Typical phrases include 'roter Reflektor' (red reflector), 'hinterer Reflektor' (rear reflector), or 'Reflektoren am Fahrrad' (reflectors on a bicycle).
EXAMPLE
Der hintere Reflektor des Fahrrads war verschmutzt und kaum zu sehen.
The bicycle's rear reflector was dirty and barely visible.
In real life
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