mirror
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mirror
A smooth, polished surface, usually made of glass with a metal layer, that reflects light and shows an image of what is in front of it.
Bevor sie das Haus verlässt, schaut sie noch einmal in den Spiegel.
Before she leaves the house, she looks in the mirror one more time.
surface
The surface of a body of water, especially when it is calm and smooth. Often used as 'Wasserspiegel' (water level/surface).
Der Spiegel des Bergsees war vollkommen unbewegt.
The surface of the mountain lake was completely still.
Der Spiegel
The name of a well-known German news magazine.
Hast du den Artikel über die Wahlen im neuen Spiegel gelesen?
Have you read the article about the elections in the new issue of Der Spiegel?
reflection
Something that reflects or represents a condition, quality, or situation.
Die Augen gelten oft als der Spiegel der Seele.
The eyes are often considered the mirror of the soul.
rump patch
In hunting terminology, a light-colored, often white patch on the rump of hoofed game such as roe deer or stags.
Der Jäger erkannte das Reh aus der Ferne an seinem hellen Spiegel.
The hunter recognized the roe deer from a distance by its light-colored rump patch.
The noun 'der Spiegel' (mirror) is the basis for the verb 'spiegeln' (to reflect/mirror) and the reflexive verb 'sich spiegeln' (to be reflected). This connection helps you recognize the core idea of reflection in different contexts.
Die glatte Wasseroberfläche spiegelt die Wolken wider.
The smooth surface of the water reflects the clouds.
When using it with 'in', the case is important. An action or direction is expressed with the accusative ('in den Spiegel' - into/in the mirror), while a state or location requires the dative ('im Spiegel' - in the mirror).
Sie blickt prüfend in den Spiegel.
She looks critically in the mirror.
The context reveals the meaning: if it is about appearance, it is the glass mirror. If water is being discussed, it is the surface ('Wasserspiegel' - water surface/level). Verbs like 'lesen' (to read) point to the news magazine.
Kannst du mal in den Rückspiegel schauen?
Can you look in the rearview mirror for a moment?
Common verbs used with the glass mirror are 'in den Spiegel schauen' (to look in the mirror), 'sich im Spiegel betrachten' (to look at oneself in the mirror), and 'in den Spiegel blicken' (to gaze/look into the mirror).
Er betrachtet sich lange im Spiegel, bevor er geht.
He looks at himself in the mirror for a long time before he leaves.
The expression 'der Spiegel von etwas sein' (to be the mirror/reflection of something) is often used metaphorically to express that something reflects a condition or quality. This use is typical of an elevated, rather formal style.
Die Bilanzen des Unternehmens sind ein Spiegel seiner wirtschaftlichen Gesundheit.
The company's balance sheets are a reflection of its economic health.
reflection
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.
Der Spiegel über dem Waschbecken zeigt mein Gesicht deutlich.
The mirror above the sink shows my face clearly.
Die Reflexion meines Gesichts ist auf der glatten Oberfläche deutlich zu sehen.
The reflection of my face is clearly visible on the smooth surface.
