Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| glasklar | /ˈɡlaːsˈklaːr/ /ˈɡlas-/ (Northern Germany, also) |
| sonnenklar | /ˈzɔnənˈklaːr/ /ˈzɔnənˌklaːr/ |
| kristallklar | |
| sternenklar | /ˈʃtɛrnənˌklaːr/ /ˈʃtɛrnənˈklaːr/ (also) |
These terms are used to describe something that is completely clear and understood. They can refer to the physical transparency of objects or the clarity of an idea or situation.
What does it mean word for word?
The term glasklar is a compound of Glas (glass) and klar (clear), literally meaning "glass-clear".
Which one should you use?
While all these terms can describe physical clarity, glasklar is the most common way to describe an idea or situation that is perfectly understood. In contrast, kristallklar is more frequently used to describe the physical transparency of liquids or air, such as water or a gemstone. Other forms include sonnenklar and sternenklar.
How does it change in a sentence?
Like in English, these adjectives can be used adverbially to modify a verb, such as Das ist glasklar ersichtlich (That is crystal clear to see).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡlaːsˈklaːr/
Did you know?
- In German, the word glasklar functions as a 'Gradadjektiv', which means it represents an absolute state that cannot be modified by words like 'very' or 'extremely'.
- Using sonnenklar suggests that a fact is so blindingly obvious that it is as undeniable as the sun itself.
- The word glasklar is a direct linguistic sibling to the Swedish word glasklar, showing a regional Germanic preference for 'glass' as the symbol of transparency.
Examples in context
- Das Wasser ist kristallklar.The water is crystal clear.This sentence shows how to describe the physical transparency of water using kristallklar.Tatoeba #6855761 by Esperantostern, translation #7785629 by Hybrid
- "Kristallklar" ist ein schönes Wort, nicht wahr?"Crystal clear" is a nice word, don't you think?This sentence uses kristallklar to refer to the word itself.Tatoeba #1440540 by al_ex_an_der, translation #1495373 by niceguydave
- Es war eine eiskalte Nacht, der Himmel war glasklar.It was a freezing cold night, and the sky was crystal clear.This sentence uses glasklar to describe the clarity of the sky.Tatoeba #3549284 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11074170 by sundown
- Unsere Geschäftsstrategie muss ganz klar sein.Our business strategy has to be crystal clear.
- Ja, glasklar!Yes, crystal clear!
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Felix are discussing a new project at work.
- JuliaHast du die neuen Regeln verstanden?Did you understand the new rules?
- FelixJa, sie sind glasklar.Yes, they are crystal clear.
- JuliaGut, dann können wir anfangen.Good, then we can start.
- FelixIch bin bereit, Julia.I am ready, Julia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “crystal clear” translations and entries glasklar, sonnenklar, kristallklar, sternenklar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries glasklar, kristallklar, sonnenklar, sternenklar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
