It helps us see, it shapes our moods, and it’s full of metaphor. Whether you’re turning on a lamp or having a bright idea, it’s time to learn how to say light in German.
The word is das Licht. It’s neuter, and the plural is die Lichter — most often used when referring to decorative or multiple sources of light.
If you’re still working on article mastery, my gender video lesson will help make sense of it quickly.
Licht is one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German, and it's used in both literal and highly expressive ways.
Examples in all four cases:
Nominative:
Das Licht ist sehr hell.
The light is very bright.
Accusative:
Ich sehe das Licht nicht.
I can’t see the light.
Dative:
Er sprach bei dem Licht der Kerze.
He spoke by the light of the candle.
Genitive:
Die Farbe des Lichts ist warm.
The color of the light is warm.
Real-World Tips for Learners
Licht is a versatile word — it shows up in basic household contexts, emotional metaphors, and poetic imagery.
Useful everyday phrases:
das Licht anmachen – to turn on the light
das Licht ausmachen – to turn off the light
im Licht stehen – to be in the spotlight / under scrutiny
etwas in einem neuen Licht sehen – to see something in a new light
ins Licht rücken – to bring to light / give attention to something
Compound nouns:
Lichtschalter – light switch
Taschenlampe – flashlight (literally “pocket lamp”)
Lichtblick – ray of hope / bright spot
Lichterkette – string of lights
Ampellicht – traffic light
Cultural usage: Around Christmas, Lichter take on strong symbolic and decorative meaning. German cities and homes are often lit with Lichterketten, Kerzenlicht (candlelight), and Sternlichter (star lights), tying Licht to comfort and festivity.
Learner tip: Be aware that Licht as a mass noun doesn't take a plural in most uses (just like "light" in English), but Lichter is correct for countable lights, like holiday decorations or headlights (Autolichter).
Beginner dialogue using Licht:
A: Warum ist es so dunkel hier?
B: Ich hab das Licht noch nicht angemacht.
A: Why is it so dark in here?
B: I haven’t turned on the light yet.
Now it’s your turn. Think of your answer and say it aloud using Licht.
“Wann hat dir ein kleines Licht viel bedeutet?”
When did a small light mean a lot to you?
Say your answer out loud in German, and make sure to use Licht in your sentence.
German Word of the Day
Now you know how to say light in German — and how das Licht reveals meaning, emotion, and clarity in both language and life.
Download the free illustrated PDF of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German to keep learning German vocabulary that lights the way.
Ready for more German Words of the Day?
Check out Liebe — and explore how emotion shapes language.
Or revisit Leute — and describe the world around you naturally.