sunset
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sunset
The daily, visible disappearance of the sun below the horizon.
Wir saßen am Strand und beobachteten den romantischen Sonnenuntergang über dem Meer.
We sat on the beach and watched the romantic sunset over the sea.
The word is made up of 'Sonne' (sun) and 'Untergang' (setting, going down). 'Untergang' comes from the verb 'untergehen' (to set, to go down) and describes disappearing at the horizon. Literally, then: the setting of the sun.
Das Schiff segelte dem Sonnenuntergang entgegen.
The ship sailed toward the sunset.
'Sonnenuntergang' (sunset) is often combined with verbs of seeing and enjoying, for example 'beobachten' (to watch), 'ansehen' (to look at), 'genießen' (to enjoy), or 'fotografieren' (to photograph).
Wir wollen heute Abend den Sonnenuntergang von der Terrasse aus genießen.
We want to enjoy the sunset from the terrace this evening.
Since a sunset is often perceived as a beautiful natural spectacle, the word frequently appears with positive adjectives such as 'romantisch' (romantic), 'wunderschön' (beautiful), 'spektakulär' (spectacular), or 'atemberaubend' (breathtaking).
Vom Berggipfel hatten wir einen atemberaubenden Sonnenuntergang.
From the mountain peak, we had a breathtaking sunset.
downfall / sinking / sunset
'der Untergang' and 'der Sonnenuntergang' can both mean the disappearance of the sun below the horizon. 'Sonnenuntergang' is the normal and precise everyday word for this. 'Untergang' by itself is more general and usually needs an addition or a clear context, for example 'der Untergang der Sonne' (the setting of the sun). In addition, 'Untergang' can also have other meanings, such as the end of an empire or the sinking of a ship. Learners may confuse the words because 'Sonnenuntergang' is made up of 'Sonne' and 'Untergang'. If you mean the beautiful evening event, 'Sonnenuntergang' is almost always more natural.
Am Strand haben wir den Sonnenuntergang fotografiert.
We photographed the sunset on the beach.
Der Untergang der Sonne war vom Berg aus gut zu sehen.
The setting of the sun was easy to see from the mountain.