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.
to show through
In a figurative sense, to be recognizable or visible indistinctly or by suggestion. It is often used for feelings, qualities, or possibilities that show through.
Trotz seiner ernsten Miene schimmerte ein Lächeln in seinen Augen.
Despite his serious expression, a smile showed through in his eyes.
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 / to light
Leuchten is the general term for clearly visible emitted or reflected light. Schimmern, by contrast, refers to a weak, often gentle or slightly changing light. When the brightness is clearly recognizable, use leuchten; when it is only faintly visible, use schimmern.
Hinter dem Vorhang schimmert nur ein schwaches Licht.
Only a faint light shimmers behind the curtain.
Hinter dem Vorhang leuchtet ein deutliches Licht.
A clearly visible light shines behind the curtain.
