noun
der Sonnenstrahl, -en
sunbeam
Definition & meaning
Sonnenstrahl means ray of sunshine or sunbeam: a narrow beam of sunlight coming from the sun.
It can also be used figuratively:
- A source of hope, joy, or comfort: ein Sonnenstrahl in dunklen Zeiten — “a ray of sunshine in dark times.”
- A cheerful, loving, or especially positive person, often a child: Sie ist ein echter Sonnenstrahl. — “She is a real ray of sunshine.”
Grammar & word origin
- Gender: masculine
- Singular: der Sonnenstrahl
- Plural: die Sonnenstrahlen
- Compound: (“sun”) + (“ray,” “beam”)
The word literally means “sun ray.” The noun comes from an old Germanic word for “sun,” while is related to the idea of radiating or shining.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- — “ray of light”; more general, since it does not necessarily come from the sun.
- — “sunlight”; refers to sunlight in general rather than one individual ray.
- — “solar radiation”; a more technical term for radiation emitted by the sun.
Antonyms
There is no exact antonym. Depending on the context, possible contrasts include:
Common phrases & collocations
Make “Sonnenstrahl” part of your vocabulary.
Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Ein Sonnenstrahl fällt durch das Fenster.noun
A sunbeam falls through the window.
Keep exploring German
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad