scheinen
shine · seem
Etwas wirkt so, als ob es auf eine bestimmte Weise ist, obwohl man es nicht sicher weiß.
The German word "scheinen" is a verb that primarily means "to shine" (as in light) or "to seem/appear" (in the sense of impression).
- The root word scheinen itself has no smaller components in modern usage.
- Example in light context: "Die Sonne scheint" (The sun shines).
- Example in impression context: "Er scheint müde zu sein" (He seems to be tired).
Similar words:
- leuchten – to shine, glow (more focused on emitting light)
- erscheinen – to appear, to show up (more formal or visual appearance)
- wirken – to seem, to have an effect (more about influence or impression)
Differences:
- Scheinen covers both literal shining and figurative seeming, while leuchten is more literal for light.
- Erscheinen refers to physical appearance or publication.
- Wirken is about the perceived effect or impression rather than just appearance.
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Examples
Die Sonne scheint heute besonders hell.verb
The sun is shining particularly bright today.
Es scheint, dass es heute regnen wird.verb
It seems that it will rain today.
Die Sterne scheinen in der Nacht hell.verb
The stars shine brightly at night.
Die Sterne scheinen nachts am Himmel.verb
The stars shine at night in the sky.
Es scheint morgen sonnig zu werden.verb
It seems (to give the appearance) that it will be sunny tomorrow.
Sie scheinen sehr zufrieden zu sein.verb
They seem to be very satisfied.
Warum scheint das Licht heute so schwach?verb
Why does the light shine so weakly?
Er scheint seine Meinung geändert zu haben.verb
He seems to have changed his mind.
Warum scheint das Licht durch den Vorhang?verb
Why does the light shine through the curtain?
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