Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Mondlicht | /ˈmoːntˌlɪçt/ | neuter |
| Mondenschein | masculine, poetic, alternative form | |
| Mondschein | /ˈmoːntˌʃaɪ̯n/ | masculine |
Moonlight refers to the light reflected from the Moon. While Mondlicht is the standard and neutral way to describe this light, other forms can be used depending on the desired tone or focus.
What does it mean word for word?
Mondlicht is a compound noun consisting of Mond (moon) and Licht (light).
Which one should you use?
Mondlicht is the standard, neutral term. Mondschein is often used to describe the visual appearance or the glow of the moonlight. Mondenschein is a more poetic or old-fashioned alternative to the other forms. Additionally, Mondstrahlen can be used to specifically mean moonbeams.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the phrase im Mondschein to mean 'in the moonlight', the word is a contraction of in dem. This uses the dative case, which is required after the preposition in when describing a location.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmoːntˌlɪçt/
Did you know?
- The suffix in Mondschein comes from Schein, which in a legal or formal context can mean a 'certificate' or 'proof', such as in the word Führerschein for a 'driver's license'.
- The term Mondenschein uses an 'interstitial n' to connect the two words, a linguistic feature often found in older, more rhythmic German.
- In German folk tales, the phrase im Mondschein is frequently associated with the supernatural, such as the appearance of Werwölfe (werewolves) or ghosts.
Examples in context
- Tom stand im Mondschein.Tom stood in the moonlight.This sentence shows the use of Mondschein to describe being in the moonlight.Tatoeba #12121070 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7483300 by Hybrid
- Die Feen tanzten im Mondlicht.The fairies danced in the moonlight.This sentence shows the use of Mondlicht to describe fairies dancing in the moonlight.Tatoeba #6175957 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3529401 by Hybrid
- Mondlicht strömte durch die Fenster.Moonlight streamed through the windows.This sentence shows the use of Mondlicht to describe light streaming through windows.Tatoeba #12758898 by mhr, translation #13429106 by sundown
- helles MondlichtBright moonlight
- Wir machten einen romantischen Spaziergang im Mondschein.We took a romantic walk in the moonlight.
- Die Mondfinsternis verdunkelte den strahlenden Mondschein.The lunar eclipse dimmed the radiant moonlight.
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Julian are taking a walk in a park at night.
- LauraSchau mal, wie schön das Mondlicht ist!Look, how beautiful the moonlight is!
- JulianJa, es ist heute sehr hell.Yes, it is very bright tonight.
- LauraDas Mondlicht spiegelt sich im See.The moonlight is reflecting in the lake.
- JulianDas sieht wirklich romantisch aus, Laura.That looks really romantic, Laura.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “moonlight” translations and entries Mondlicht, Mondenschein, Mondschein, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
