01
die Sonne
sun
The star at the center of our solar system that gives the Earth light and warmth.
example
Heute scheint die Sonne den ganzen Tag.
The sun is shining all day today.
die Sonne
sun
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Prepositions
The prepositions used with 'Sonne' (sun) show an important difference: 'in die Sonne' (into the sun, accusative) describes movement, while 'in der Sonne' (in the sun, dative) describes a place or state.
EXAMPLE
Lass uns unsere Stühle in die Sonne stellen.
Let's put our chairs in the sun.
Word component
The word 'Sonne' (sun) is a very productive component of many compound nouns related to sunlight or warmth. When you see 'Sonnen-' (sun-), it is usually about the sun.
EXAMPLE
Vergiss deine Sonnenbrille nicht, es ist sehr hell draußen.
Don't forget your sunglasses; it's very bright outside.
Typical verbs
In the astronomical meaning, 'Sonne' (sun) is often combined with three basic verbs of the daily cycle: Die Sonne geht auf (the sun rises), sie scheint (it shines), and sie geht unter (it sets).
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen früh aufstehen, wenn wir sehen wollen, wie die Sonne aufgeht.
We have to get up early if we want to see the sun rise.
Typical activities
When talking about sunlight, 'Sonne' (sun) is often connected with relaxing activities. Typical phrases are 'in der Sonne liegen' (to lie in the sun), 'in der Sonne sitzen' (to sit in the sun), or 'sich sonnen' (to sunbathe).
EXAMPLE
Im Urlaub möchte ich am liebsten den ganzen Tag in der Sonne liegen und lesen.
On vacation, what I'd like most is to lie in the sun all day and read.
Context clue
The meaning 'star' is almost exclusively limited to astronomical or science-fiction contexts. Words like 'Planet' (planet), 'Galaxie' (galaxy), or 'entdecken' (to discover) point to this usage.
EXAMPLE
Der neu entdeckte Planet umkreist eine Sonne, die viel größer ist als unsere.
The newly discovered planet orbits a sun that is much larger than ours.
Compare with
Sonne vs Licht
light
'das Licht' and 'die Sonne' are closely connected because the sun gives light. 'Licht' means brightness in general, whether it comes from the sun, a lamp, or a candle. 'Sonne' means the star in the sky, or the light and warmth that come from it. The words can be confused when talking about bright weather. If you mean the brightness, 'Licht' fits; if you mean the source in the sky or its warmth, 'Sonne' is more precise.
Sonne
Am Abend steht die Sonne tief über den Häusern.
In the evening, the sun is low above the houses.
Licht
Am Morgen fällt weiches Licht durch das Fenster.
In the morning, soft light falls through the window.
In real life
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