to reflect
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to reflect
To show the mirror image of something or someone, as a reflective surface (e.g., water or glass) does. It can also be used reflexively (sich widerspiegeln).
Die Lichter der Stadt spiegelten sich im nassen Asphalt wider.
The city lights were reflected in the wet asphalt.
'Widerspiegeln' (to reflect) is a separable verb. The prefix 'wider' separates from the verb in a main clause and stands at the end of the sentence.
Der See spiegelt die Berge klar wider.
The lake clearly reflects the mountains.
The literal meaning (m01) refers to physical surfaces such as water, glass, or mirrors. The figurative meaning (m02) refers to abstract things such as data, opinions, feelings, or results.
Ihr Gesicht spiegelte sich im Fenster wider.
Her face was reflected in the window.
In the literal meaning, the verb is very often used reflexively with 'sich' (oneself). The thing in which something is reflected is then introduced with the preposition 'in' and the dative.
Die Wolken spiegelten sich im ruhigen Wasser des Sees wider.
The clouds were reflected in the calm water of the lake.
In the figurative meaning, 'widerspiegeln' (to reflect) is often used with abstract subjects, e.g., 'die Ergebnisse' (the results), 'die Zahlen' (the numbers), 'die Kunst' (the art), or 'sein Verhalten' (his behavior).
Sein Verhalten spiegelt seine Unsicherheit wider.
His behavior reflects his insecurity.
to represent / portray / constitute
'darstellen' and 'widerspiegeln' can both mean that something shows something else or makes it recognizable. 'darstellen' is used when someone actively shows, describes, or explains something, for example in an image, text, or diagram. 'widerspiegeln' means more that something becomes indirectly visible: a behavior, result, or mood shows what lies behind it. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with 'zeigen' (to show). As a guide: a person or a text can 'darstellen' something; a result, number, or behavior can 'widerspiegeln' something.
Die vielen Fragen im Kurs spiegeln das große Interesse der Teilnehmenden wider.
The many questions in the course reflect the participants' great interest.
Die Grafik stellt die Entwicklung der Preise im letzten Jahr dar.
The chart shows the development of prices over the past year.