A word very frequently seen in the works of Rudolf Steiner. It is often translated as 'permeate'. This may be the best translation in some cases. At other times it sounds strange in the English context.

With the two initial 'd' sounds, durchdringen has quite a powerful feeling to it, though it should be remembered that in German usage the simplex dringen ranges from considerable urgency (dringend) to being just a verb of motion.

In a context relating to human thought, to mind and intellect, 'penetrating' often seems to fit well.

In the sphere of the heart, ein Herz von Liebe durchdrungen is 'a heart full of love' ('full of' rather than 'filled with' to give more strength to expression and even match the sounds - though in a prose text this may be considered a bonus rather than something to go for especially).

Kinder, die von Willensimpulsen durdrungen sind are 'children who are all will' perhaps. Another idea that comes to mind thinking of 'durchdrungen' in the sphere of drives, instincts and will is 'to want with every fiber of one's being' - a strong expression to match the strength of the German word.

Anna Meuss 1/1

See also

pervade