to shimmer
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to shimmer
To emit or reflect a weak, often unsteady or gently changing light. It describes a soft glow that is often perceived as beautiful.
Die Seide des Kleides schimmerte im Abendlicht.
The silk of the dress shimmered in the evening light.
The verb 'schimmern' (to shimmer) is closely related to the noun 'der Schimmer' (the shimmer/glimmer). 'Der Schimmer' is the soft light itself, while 'schimmern' describes the action of glowing.
Ein leichter Schimmer lag auf der Wasseroberfläche.
A slight shimmer lay on the surface of the water.
The literal meaning refers to light and surfaces such as water, silk, or metal. The figurative meaning refers to abstract things such as feelings, qualities, or ideas that become visible only by suggestion.
Die Sterne schimmerten am Nachthimmel.
The stars shimmered in the night sky.
In its literal meaning, 'schimmern' (to shimmer) is often used with materials that gently reflect light. Typical examples are: 'Perlen schimmern' (pearls shimmer), 'die Wasseroberfläche schimmert' (the surface of the water shimmers), or 'Metall schimmert' (metal shimmers). It is also often combined with colors: 'golden schimmern' (to shimmer gold), 'silbern schimmern' (to shimmer silver).
Ihr Haar schimmerte rötlich in der Sonne.
Her hair shimmered reddish in the sun.
In the figurative meaning, 'schimmern' (to show through) is often used with abstract nouns such as 'Hoffnung' (hope), 'Ironie' (irony), or 'Talent' (talent). It frequently appears with the preposition 'durch' (through) to show that something becomes recognizable through something else.
Durch seine professionelle Fassade schimmerte seine Nervosität.
His nervousness showed through his professional facade.
to shine / seem
'scheinen' and 'schimmern' can both describe light. 'scheinen' is the normal word for light that is bright or clearly visible, for example sunlight or lamplight. 'schimmern' describes a weak, soft, or slightly changing light. It often sounds calmer and somewhat more beautiful. When the light is clear and direct, 'scheinen' fits better. When it is only gently visible, 'schimmern' is more precise.
Im Dunkeln schimmert das Wasser leicht im Mondlicht.
In the dark, the water shimmers faintly in the moonlight.
Mittags scheint die Sonne stark auf den Balkon.
At midday, the sun shines strongly onto the balcony.