German Conversation · Level 100
59 words
German word
funkeln
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈfʊŋkəln/
Meaning
- verbsparkle
Example
Die Sterne funkeln am Himmel.
The stars are sparkling in the sky.
More examples
Bei der Überraschung begannen ihre Augen funkeln vor Freude.
Her eyes began to sparkle with joy at the surprise.
Core concept
Many brief bright flashes catch the eye, like stars trembling with light or gems sending out sparks.
Common phrases
die Augen funkeln
eyes sparkle
vor Freude funkeln
sparkle with joy
die Sterne funkeln
stars sparkle
Similar words
glänzen: Reflect light strongly from a surface and appear brilliantly lustrous.
glitzern: Flash with tiny points of light at brief, irregular intervals.
schimmern: Glow softly with a faint light that seems to spread gently.
Definition in German
In vielen kleinen Punkten kurz und lebhaft leuchten; verwendet für Sterne, Funken oder glitzernden Schmuck.
Word origin
The verb developed from the stem behind Funke, 'spark', while -eln contributes the sense of recurring or animated activity.
Usage tips
- Funkeln often describes lively points of light, whereas glänzen more broadly means to shine or have a lustrous surface.