reflection
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reflection
Intensive thinking about a topic, an experience, or oneself. It is a process of mental engagement and self-examination.
Nach dem Streit zog er sich für einen Moment der stillen Reflexion zurück.
After the argument, he withdrew for a moment of quiet reflection.
reflection
The physical phenomenon in which waves such as light, sound, or heat are thrown back from a surface.
Die Reflexion des Sonnenlichts auf der Wasseroberfläche blendete ihn.
The reflection of the sunlight on the surface of the water dazzled him.
reflection
The mirror image or reflected image of something on a smooth surface.
Er betrachtete seine müde Reflexion im Schaufenster.
He looked at his tired reflection in the shop window.
'Die Reflexion' (reflection) is the noun related to the verb 'reflektieren' (to reflect). Both words can mean thinking about a topic as well as reflecting light or sound.
Es ist wichtig, das eigene Verhalten kritisch zu reflektieren.
It is important to critically reflect on one's own behavior.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about abstract topics such as feelings, decisions, or philosophy, it means 'Nachdenken' (reflection/thinking). If it is about light, sound, mirrors, or water, it refers to the physical meaning or a mirror image.
Sein Tagebuch dient der täglichen Reflexion.
His diary serves as daily reflection.
When 'Reflexion' (reflection) describes thinking, the topic is usually connected with the preposition 'über' and the accusative. Typical combinations are 'die Reflexion über sich selbst' (reflection on oneself) or 'die Reflexion über ein Problem' (reflection on a problem).
Der Aufsatz ist eine interessante Reflexion über die moderne Gesellschaft.
The essay is an interesting reflection on modern society.
In the physics meaning, 'Reflexion' (reflection) is often combined with 'von' to name the source, e.g. 'die Reflexion von Licht' (the reflection of light). The surface on which the reflection takes place is indicated with 'an' or 'auf'.
Wir untersuchten die Reflexion von Schallwellen an verschiedenen Materialien.
We examined the reflection of sound waves off different materials.
mirror
A Spiegel is the physical surface that reflects light and thereby shows an image. Reflexion, by contrast, refers to the process of reflecting light or to the image visible as a result. Use Spiegel for the object, and Reflexion for the physical process or its result.
Die Reflexion meines Gesichts ist auf der glatten Oberfläche deutlich zu sehen.
The reflection of my face is clearly visible on the smooth surface.
Der Spiegel über dem Waschbecken zeigt mein Gesicht deutlich.
The mirror above the sink shows my face clearly.
