strahlend
radiant
Emitting or reflecting bright light; shining very brightly.
EXAMPLE
Wir genossen den Tag unter einem strahlend blauen Himmel.
We enjoyed the day under a radiant blue sky.
strahlend
radiant / radioactive
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Meanings
strahlend
radiant
Expressing great joy, happiness, or beauty. Often refers to a person's appearance or mood.
EXAMPLE
Die Gewinnerin nahm den Preis mit einem strahlenden Lächeln entgegen.
The winner accepted the prize with a radiant smile.
strahlend
radioactive
In physics: emitting radioactive radiation.
EXAMPLE
Der strahlende Abfall muss in speziellen Behältern sicher gelagert werden.
The radioactive waste must be stored safely in special containers.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Strahlend' (radiant/radioactive) is the present participle of the verb 'strahlen' (to shine/radiate). So it describes something that is actively radiating—whether light, joy, or radioactive energy.
EXAMPLE
Die Sonne strahlte vom Himmel und die Kinder spielten draußen.
The sun shone from the sky, and the children played outside.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about light, weather, or colors, 'hell leuchtend' (brightly shining) is meant. If it refers to people and their facial expression, it means 'glücklich' (happy). In connection with physics or nuclear power plants, 'radioaktiv' (radioactive) is meant.
EXAMPLE
Sie trug ein Kleid in einem strahlenden Gelb.
She wore a dress in a radiant yellow.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'hell leuchtend' (brightly shining), 'strahlend' (radiant) is often combined with colors or light sources: a radiant blue sky, brilliantly white teeth, a radiant sun.
EXAMPLE
Ihre Zähne waren nach der Reinigung strahlend weiß.
Her teeth were brilliantly white after the cleaning.
Typical collocations
When it is about joy, 'strahlend' (radiant) often describes people's expression: a radiant smile, radiant eyes, a radiant winner.
EXAMPLE
Das Kind blickte seine Eltern mit strahlenden Augen an.
The child looked at his parents with radiant eyes.
Technical context
The meaning 'radioaktiv' (radioactive) is used exclusively in technical texts or news about nuclear energy and physics. Typical nouns here are 'strahlender Abfall' (radioactive waste) or 'strahlendes Material' (radioactive material).
EXAMPLE
Die Entsorgung von strahlendem Müll ist ein globales Problem.
The disposal of radioactive waste is a global problem.
Compare with
strahlend vs glänzend
shiny / excellent
Both words can describe a striking visual impression. Glänzend mainly emphasizes visible reflections of light on a surface, whereas strahlend often expresses joy, happiness, or beauty in a person's face. Glänzend fits reflective hair, while strahlend is more suitable for a happy facial expression.
strahlend
Nach der guten Nachricht sah ihr Gesicht glücklich und strahlend aus.
After hearing the good news, her face looked happy and radiant.
glänzend
Nach dem Eincremen sah ihr Haar glatt und glänzend aus.
After applying conditioner, her hair looked smooth and shiny.
In real life
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