01
strahlen
shine
To emit light or heat. Often used for celestial bodies or lamps.
example
Die Sonne strahlte den ganzen Tag vom Himmel.
The sun shone in the sky all day.
strahlen
to shine / radiate
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'strahlen' is directly related to the noun 'der Strahl' (for example, a ray of light). So something that 'strahlt' emits rays.
EXAMPLE
Ein heller Strahl Licht fiel durch das Fenster.
A bright ray of light fell through the window.
Context clue
The meaning of 'strahlen' depends strongly on the subject. When celestial bodies or lamps are the subject, the literal meaning 'to emit light' is intended. When a person is the subject, the figurative meaning 'to glow with joy' is usually intended.
EXAMPLE
Die Scheinwerfer des Autos strahlten hell in der Dunkelheit.
The car's headlights shone brightly in the darkness.
Typical collocations
When a person 'strahlt' (beams), the reason for the joy is often expressed with the preposition 'vor' (+ dative). Another common phrase is 'über das ganze Gesicht strahlen' (to beam from ear to ear).
EXAMPLE
Er strahlte vor Stolz, als seine Tochter das Diplom erhielt.
He beamed with pride when his daughter received the diploma.
Scientific context
The meaning 'to emit radioactive radiation' is used almost exclusively in a scientific or technical context. Signal words for this are 'radioaktiv' (radioactive), 'Reaktor' (reactor), or 'Uran' (uranium).
EXAMPLE
Das Messgerät zeigte an, dass das Material schwach strahlt.
The measuring device indicated that the material emits weak radiation.
Compare with
strahlen vs scheinen
to shine / seem
'scheinen' and 'strahlen' can both describe light. 'scheinen' is the normal word when light is simply there or falls on something, especially with the sun. 'strahlen' sounds stronger and more vivid: something gives off a lot of light or heat and appears very bright. They can be confused because both can be used with the sun and lamps. If you only want to say that the sun is in the sky, 'scheinen' is more natural. If you want to emphasize strong brightness, 'strahlen' fits better.
strahlen
Nach dem Regen strahlte die Sonne wieder über den Dächern.
After the rain, the sun shone brightly over the rooftops again.
scheinen
Heute scheint die Sonne, deshalb gehen wir nach draußen.
The sun is shining today, so we're going outside.
In real life
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