Licht
/lɪçt/neuter
The English word light is translated into German as Licht.
Licht is a noun used to describe the phenomenon of light. When you want to describe a light being switched on or off, use the adjectives an (on) and aus (off) rather than looking for a specific verb to mean 'to light'.
Meaning: visible light, brightness (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Licht is the noun for light itself, use the adjective hell to describe a space or a color as being bright or light.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Licht is a neuter noun, so it takes the definite article das (e.g., das Licht). The plural form of the word is Lichter.
How do you pronounce it?
/lɪçt/
Did you know?
- In German folklore, Licht is often associated with the Irrlicht, or 'will-o'-the-wisp'. These are ghostly lights seen over marshes that lead travelers astray.
- In German, the word Licht is used in the common phrase Licht ins Dunkel bringen, which means 'to bring light into the darkness' but is used figuratively to mean 'to clarify a situation'.
- The word Lichterkette describes a string of fairy lights and literally translates to 'light chain'. This reflects the German tendency to create compound nouns for specific objects.
Examples in context
- Das Licht ist an.The light is on.This sentence shows how to use Licht to say a light is on.Tatoeba #740373 by Dejo, translation #322968 by CK
- Lass das Licht an!Leave the light on.This sentence demonstrates using Licht to tell someone to leave the light on.Tatoeba #2226450 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10118052 by CK
- Mach das Licht aus!Turn off the light.This sentence shows how to use Licht to tell someone to turn the light off.Tatoeba #678540 by Esperantostern, translation #279153 by CK
- Das Licht ist grell heute.The light is bright today.
- Die Beleuchtung in diesem Raum ist ausgezeichnet.The lighting in this room is excellent.
- Das Lämpchen an deinem Schreibtisch erzeugt eine gemütliche Atmosphäre.The little lamp on your desk creates a cozy atmosphere.
- Der Raum leuchtet auf, wenn die Lampen angehen.The room lights up when the lamps turn on.
- 620 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Lukas are decorating their living room.
- HannahHier ist es zu dunkel für das Licht.It is too dark here for the light.
- LukasSoll ich eine neue Lampe kaufen, Hannah?Should I buy a new lamp, Hannah?
- HannahJa, wir brauchen mehr Licht im Zimmer.Yes, we need more light in the room.
- LukasIch schaue heute Nachmittag im Geschäft.I will look in the shop this afternoon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “light” translations and entries Licht, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
