das  Tageslicht

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈtaːɡəsˌlɪçt/

☀️ What exactly does "das Tageslicht" mean?

Das Tageslicht primarily refers to the natural light produced by the sun during the day, illuminating the surroundings. It's the opposite of the darkness of night.

It can also be used metaphorically, often in idioms:

• etwas ans Tageslicht bringen/fördern: to bring something hidden, secret, or unknown to light; to reveal or uncover something.
• ans Tageslicht kommen: to come to light; to become known or apparent.
• das Tageslicht scheuen: literally 'to shun the daylight', meaning to hide, to avoid appearing in public (often associated with illegal or immoral activities).

It is a compound noun formed from der Tag (the day) and das Licht (the light).

📊 Grammar of Tageslicht: Article and Declension

The word "Tageslicht" is a neuter noun (Neutrum). The correct article is therefore das. It is mostly used in the singular because it represents an uncountable concept (like Wasser (water) or Luft (air)). A plural form (die Tageslichter) theoretically exists but is extremely rare and would refer to specific light sources or types of daylight.

Declension Singular

Note: The Genitive and Dative endings "-es" and "-e" are optional but often omitted in modern German.

💡 Example Sentences

1. Das Tageslicht fiel durch das Fenster.
   (The daylight fell through the window.)
2. Die Farben wirken bei Tageslicht ganz anders.
   (The colors look completely different in daylight.)
3. Er scheute das Tageslicht und arbeitete nur nachts.
   (He shunned the daylight and only worked at night.)
4. Die Wahrheit kam erst nach Jahren ans Tageslicht.
   (The truth only came to light after years.) (Metaphorical)
5. Dank des hellen Tageslichts konnten wir gut sehen.
   (Thanks to the bright daylight, we could see well.)

💬 How to use "das Tageslicht"?

"Das Tageslicht" is used to describe the natural light during the day, as opposed to artificial light (Kunstlicht) or darkness (Dunkelheit, Nacht).

• Nature/Environment Context: "Pflanzen brauchen Tageslicht zum Wachsen." (Plants need daylight to grow.)
• Everyday Context: "Lass uns das bei Tageslicht ansehen, dann erkennen wir mehr Details." (Let's look at that in daylight, then we'll see more details.)
• Metaphorical Context (Revelation): "Die Untersuchung brachte viele unangenehme Fakten ans Tageslicht." (The investigation brought many unpleasant facts to light.)

Difference from Sonnenlicht: While Tageslicht refers to the general light during the day (even on a cloudy day), das Sonnenlicht (sunlight) refers more specifically to the direct light from the sun.

Idioms: The metaphorical meaning is very common in set phrases like "ans Tageslicht kommen/bringen" (to come/bring to light).

🧠 Mnemonics for "Tageslicht"

For the article (das): Remember das Licht (the light). Tageslicht is a type of light, so it stays neuter: das Licht of the Tag (day) -> das Tageslicht. Many words ending in '-licht' are neuter ('das Licht', 'das Kerzenlicht', 'das Rücklicht').

For the meaning (daylight): Picture the Tag (day) switching on its Licht (light) – that's das Tageslicht.

For the idiom "ans Tageslicht bringen": Imagine taking something from a dark cellar (a secret) and placing it into the bright Tageslicht for everyone to see.

↔️ Opposites and Synonyms: All about Tageslicht

⚠️ Similar Words:

• das Sonnenlicht: Sunlight, direct radiation from the sun. Tageslicht includes diffuse light on cloudy days.
• das Mondlicht: Moonlight, light reflected by the moon (at night).

😄 A little glimmer of humor

Warum tragen Glühwürmchen nie Sonnenbrillen?
(Why do fireflies never wear sunglasses?)

Weil sie das Tageslicht scheuen! 😉
(Because they shun the daylight!)

📜 Poem about Daylight

Wenn Dunkelheit der Nacht entweicht,
(When darkness flees from night,)
Und erster Schimmer sacht sich zeigt,
(And the first shimmer gently shows,)
Dann kommt mit sanfter, warmer Macht,
(Then comes with gentle, warm might,)
Das Tageslicht, neu erwacht.
(The daylight, newly awoken.)

Es malt die Welt in Farben klar,
(It paints the world in colors clear,)
Macht Schatten kurz und sichtbar gar,
(Makes shadows short and visible, indeed,)
Was Nacht verbarg, wird nun erhellt,
(What night concealed is now illuminated,)
Vom Licht des Tags der Welt gesellt.
(Joined to the world by the light of day.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich komme jeden Morgen neu,
(I come anew each morning,)
Vertreibe Schatten, dunkel, scheu.
(Driving away shadows, dark and shy.)
Ich koste nichts und bin doch klar,
(I cost nothing, yet I am clear,)
Und mach Verborgenes offenbar.
(And make the hidden apparent.)

Was bin ich?
(What am I?)

Solution: Das Tageslicht (Daylight)

🧩 More Tidbits

Word Composition:

The word "Tageslicht" is a compound noun, composed of:

• der Tag: Meaning 'the day', the period between sunrise and sunset.
• das Licht: Meaning 'the light', visible electromagnetic radiation.

Biological Importance:

Daylight is essential for most life forms on Earth. It controls the day-night rhythm (circadian rhythm) in humans and animals and is the energy source for photosynthesis in plants.

Technical Use:

Architects and designers consciously use daylight for illuminating interiors (daylighting architecture) to save energy and enhance well-being.