01
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
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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 glücklich
happy / lucky
'glücklich' and 'strahlend' can both show that someone feels great joy. 'glücklich' directly describes the feeling. 'strahlend' describes more how this feeling becomes visible on the outside, especially in a person's face or presence. So you can be happy without showing it strongly. 'strahlend' fits especially well when someone is smiling, looks beautiful, or truly glows with joy.
strahlend
Bei der Feier kam Sofia mit einem strahlenden Lächeln in den Raum.
At the celebration, Sofia came into the room with a radiant smile.
glücklich
Die Verkäuferin ist glücklich, weil sie die Prüfung geschafft hat.
The sales assistant is happy because she passed the exam.
In real life
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