transparent
Physically see-through, so that you can see through it.
EXAMPLE
Durch das transparente Glas der Vase kann man die Stiele der Blumen sehen.
Through the transparent glass of the vase, you can see the stems of the flowers.
transparent
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Meanings
transparent
In a figurative sense: easy to understand, clear, and nachvollziehbar (traceable/understandable), without hiding anything. Often refers to processes, decisions, or communication.
EXAMPLE
Die Organisation fordert transparente politische Entscheidungen.
The organization calls for transparent political decisions.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word comes from Latin. The prefix 'trans-' means 'through', and the second part derives from 'parere' (to appear, to show oneself). So 'transparent' literally means 'shining through'.
EXAMPLE
Die transparente Schicht schützt das Display des Telefons.
The transparent layer protects the phone's display.
Context clue
The context makes the meaning clear. If it is about materials like glass or film, 'transparent' means physically see-through. If it is about information, politics, or finances, the figurative meaning 'nachvollziehbar' (traceable/understandable) or 'offen' (open) is meant.
EXAMPLE
Die Verpackung ist transparent, damit man das Produkt sieht.
The packaging is transparent so that you can see the product.
Typical collocations
In its literal meaning, 'transparent' is often combined with materials that you can see through. Typical examples are 'transparentes Glas' (transparent glass), 'transparente Folie' (transparent film), or 'transparenter Kunststoff' (transparent plastic).
EXAMPLE
Legen Sie eine transparente Folie über die Schüssel.
Place a transparent film over the bowl.
Typical collocations
In the figurative sense, 'transparent' is frequently used with abstract nouns from politics and business. Common combinations are 'transparente Prozesse' (transparent processes), 'transparente Kommunikation' (transparent communication), and 'transparente Kosten' (transparent costs).
EXAMPLE
Die Wähler fordern eine transparente Regierung.
The voters are demanding a transparent government.
Compare with
transparent vs offen
open
Offen and transparent can both describe communication without concealment. Offen emphasizes that information is stated directly rather than withheld. Transparent especially means that procedures, decisions, or reasons are presented clearly and in a way that can be understood and followed.
transparent
Die Leitung erklärte die einzelnen Schritte der Planung transparent.
Management explained the individual planning steps transparently.
offen
Die Leitung sprach offen über die Probleme bei der Planung.
Management spoke openly about the problems with the planning.
In real life
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