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Erleuchtung

enlightenment

noun er-LOYKH-toong Rare
People & Society Religion

Also means

sudden insight

Usage Note

Erleuchtung is spiritual enlightenment or a flash of insight, from erleuchten (to illuminate). In Buddhist contexts it renders nirvana-like awakening; colloquially eine Erleuchtung haben means to have a brainwave. Distinct from Aufklärung, the historical Enlightenment.

Examples

"Nach jahrelanger Meditation suchte er die Erleuchtung."

Natural Translation

After years of meditation he sought enlightenment.

Literal Translation

After years-long meditation sought he the enlightenment.

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