idealization / transfiguration
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idealization
The idealizing or glossing-over portrayal of something or someone, often in retrospect, which makes it appear better than it was.
In seinen Memoiren neigt der Autor zur Verklärung seiner eigenen Rolle in den Ereignissen.
In his memoirs, the author tends toward an idealization of his own role in the events.
Transfiguration
In a religious context, especially in Christianity, the miraculous transformation of Jesus on a mountain, during which his divine nature became visible.
Raffaels letztes Gemälde stellt die Verklärung Christi dar.
Raphael's last painting depicts the Transfiguration of Christ.
radiant bliss
A blissful, radiant facial expression that reflects deep inner joy or enlightenment.
Als sie die Nachricht hörte, trat ein Ausdruck reiner Verklärung auf ihr Gesicht.
When she heard the news, an expression of pure radiant bliss came over her face.
'Verklärung' (idealization/transfiguration) comes from the verb 'verklären' (to idealize/transfigure). The ending '-ung' forms the noun. The word contains the stem 'klar' (clear), and the prefix 'ver-' suggests a change or intensification—something is presented as 'over-clear' or idealized.
Er neigt dazu, seine Schulzeit zu verklären.
He tends to idealize his school days.
The word 'Verklärung' (idealization/transfiguration) belongs to an elevated, rather poetic or educated register. It is rarely used in normal everyday speech.
Seine Beschreibung des einfachen Landlebens grenzte an Verklärung.
His description of simple country life bordered on idealization.
The context reveals the meaning: if it is about memory or history, the idealizing portrayal is meant. In a religious or art-historical context, it refers to the biblical scene. If it is about a face, the happy expression is meant.
Die Verklärung der Vergangenheit verhindert oft eine kritische Auseinandersetzung.
The idealization of the past often prevents critical engagement with it.
In the sense of idealization, people often speak of the 'Verklärung der Vergangenheit' (idealization of the past), the 'Verklärung der Kindheit' (idealization of childhood), or say that someone 'zur Verklärung neigt' (tends toward idealization).
Viele ältere Menschen neigen zur Verklärung ihrer Jugendzeit.
Many older people tend to idealize their youth.
glorification
Both words refer to an excessively positive portrayal. Verherrlichung emphasizes explicitly praising and celebrating a person or thing. Verklärung refers more to a glossing-over, often retrospective view in which negative aspects are left out.
Das Ausblenden aller damaligen Probleme macht den Film zu einer Verklärung seiner Regierungszeit.
By leaving out all the problems of that time, the film turns his reign into an idealized portrayal.
Das ständige Lob des früheren Herrschers macht den Film zu einer Verherrlichung seiner Regierungszeit.
The film's constant praise of the former ruler turns it into a glorification of his reign.
