German word

widerspiegeln

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈviːdɐˌʃpiːgl̩n/

Meaning

  • verbreflect

Example

Das Bild spiegelt die Natur wider.

The picture reflects nature.

Illustration for widerspiegeln (reflect)

More examples

Die Studie spiegelt die Realität wider.

The study reflects reality.

Core concept

A scene appears in a mirror, while a person's attitude can appear in speech, conduct, or an outcome.

Common phrases

  • spiegelt die Realität wider

    reflect reality

  • spiegelt sich in der Politik wider

    is reflected in politics

  • spiegelt die Stimmung der Bevölkerung wider

    reflect the mood of the population

Similar words

spiegeln: Send back light or an image from a reflective surface.
darstellen: Represent content or appearance in words, pictures, or another medium.
zeigen: Indicate the presence or nature of something through words, actions, or looks.
ausdrücken: Communicate thoughts or feelings through words, behavior, or attitude.

Definition in German

etwas in einer Weise zurückgeben, dass ein Eindruck, Ergebnis oder Merkmal eines anderen deutlich wird.

Word origin

The compound pairs wider, meaning 'back', with spiegeln, meaning 'to mirror'; Spiegel ultimately derives from Latin speculum.

Usage tips

  • The reflexive pattern 'sich in + dative widerspiegeln' describes something showing in something else, as in 'Die Freude spiegelt sich in ihrem Gesicht wider'.

Other meanings

  • mirrorverb

Opposites

  • verfälschendistortverb
  • verschleiernconcealverb

Related words

  • Widerspiegelungreflectionnoun
  • widerspiegelndreflectingadjective
  • widerspiegelbarreflectableadjective

Word lists with this word