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das Tageslicht
daylight
The natural light that comes from the sun during the day.
example
Für gute Fotos ist natürliches Tageslicht oft am besten.
For good photos, natural daylight is often best.
das Tageslicht
daylight
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Compound word
'Tageslicht' (daylight) is a compound noun made from 'der Tag' (day, in the genitive form 'Tages') and 'das Licht' (light). It literally means 'the light of the day.'
EXAMPLE
Die Pflanzen brauchen viel Tageslicht, um zu wachsen.
The plants need a lot of daylight to grow.
Use with preposition
In its literal meaning, 'Tageslicht' (daylight) is often used with the preposition 'bei' to express that something happens or is viewed during the bright part of the day.
EXAMPLE
Bei Tageslicht sah das Haus gar nicht mehr so unheimlich aus.
In daylight, the house no longer looked so creepy.
Fixed expression
The expression 'ans Tageslicht kommen' (to come to light) is a fixed idiom. It means that information that was secret or unknown becomes public. The subject is the information that becomes known.
EXAMPLE
Es wird nur eine Frage der Zeit sein, bis die Wahrheit ans Tageslicht kommt.
It will only be a matter of time before the truth comes to light.
Active variant
In addition to 'ans Tageslicht kommen' (to come to light; something becomes known by itself), there is the active variant 'etwas ans Tageslicht bringen' (to bring something to light). This means that a person actively causes a secret to be uncovered.
EXAMPLE
Der Detektiv hat neue Beweise ans Tageslicht gebracht.
The detective brought new evidence to light.
Compare with
Tageslicht vs Tag
day
'der Tag' and 'das Tageslicht' are both connected to the time when it is light. However, 'der Tag' refers to the time itself, that is, the period when it is light, or more generally a period of time. 'das Tageslicht' means the natural light of the sun during this time. They can be confused because both stand in contrast to night. A practical tip: If you are talking about time, 'Tag' fits. If you are talking about light, 'Tageslicht' fits. There is also a connection in fixed expressions: 'zu Tage treten' and 'ans Tageslicht kommen' both mean that something becomes visible or known.
Tageslicht
Am Schreibtisch arbeitet sie lieber bei Tageslicht.
At her desk, she prefers to work in daylight.
Tag
Im Sommer ist der Tag länger als im Winter.
In summer, the day is longer than in winter.
In real life
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