spiegeln
to reflect
To reflect an image or light on a smooth surface, as a mirror does.
EXAMPLE
Die ruhige Wasseroberfläche des Sees spiegelt die Berge perfekt.
The calm surface of the lake reflects the mountains perfectly.
spiegeln
to reflect / mirror
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Meanings
sich spiegeln
to see oneself reflected
To look at one's own reflection in a reflective surface.
EXAMPLE
Er blieb vor dem Schaufenster stehen, um sich kurz darin zu spiegeln.
He stopped in front of the shop window to briefly see himself reflected in it.
spiegeln
to reflect
In a figurative sense, to express or represent something else; to be a reflection of something.
EXAMPLE
Die Ergebnisse der Umfrage spiegeln die allgemeine Unzufriedenheit der Bevölkerung wider.
The survey results reflect the general dissatisfaction of the population.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'spiegeln' (to reflect/mirror) is derived directly from the noun 'der Spiegel' (the mirror). When something 'spiegelt' (reflects), it functions like a mirror.
EXAMPLE
In einem sauberen Löffel kann man sich auch spiegeln.
You can also see yourself reflected in a clean spoon.
Sentence structure: transitive vs. reflexive
'Spiegeln' (to reflect/mirror) can be used transitively or reflexively, which changes the sentence structure. Either a surface reflects something (accusative object), or something is reflected in a surface (reflexive pronoun).
EXAMPLE
Das Fenster spiegelt die Wolken am Himmel.
The window reflects the clouds in the sky.
Fixed preposition
When a person or object is reflected, the reflective surface is almost always indicated with the preposition 'in' followed by the dative.
EXAMPLE
Sie spiegelte sich kurz in der Fensterscheibe des Busses.
She briefly saw herself reflected in the bus window.
Typical collocations (figurative)
In the figurative meaning, 'spiegeln' (to reflect) is often used with abstract nouns. Typical combinations are that something reflects feelings, an opinion, a state, or reality.
EXAMPLE
Seine leeren Augen spiegelten seine tiefe Traurigkeit.
His empty eyes reflected his deep sadness.
Compare with
spiegeln vs darstellen
to represent / portray / constitute
Here, darstellen emphasizes how a state or content is shown in a chart or description. Spiegeln focuses more on the fact that this representation makes an underlying reality or mood visible. Use darstellen for the presentation itself and spiegeln for the recognizable connection to reality.
spiegeln
Die Grafik spiegelt die wachsende Sorge der Bevölkerung über die Preise wider.
The chart reflects the growing concern among the population about prices.
darstellen
Die Grafik stellt die Entwicklung der Preise im letzten Jahr dar.
The chart shows how prices developed over the past year.
In real life
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