Learn Hardcore Italian: Nella vetrina riflessa vedo le luci del tramonto. - In the reflected shop window I see the lights of sunset.

In Italian in + la contract into nella whenever the preposition in is followed by the feminine singular article la. It marks location (“in the display window”) in a single word.

What role does riflessa play here? Is it just an adjective?

Riflessa is the past participle of riflettere used as an adjective. It agrees in gender (-a) and number (singular) with vetrina. It describes the state of the window after it has reflected something.

Why use riflessa instead of riflettente (reflective)?

Riflessa highlights the result of an action (“that which has been reflected”), i.e. the sunset lights as seen in the glass. Riflettente would describe an inherent quality (“a reflective surface”), more like “mirror-like,” and doesn’t emphasize the specific reflected image.

Why is the verb vedo in the simple present and not something like “sto vedendo”?

Italian typically uses the simple present (vedo) for both habitual actions and ongoing perceptions. While sto vedendo exists, it’s less common with verbs of perception – vedo naturally conveys “I see” in this context.

Why do we say le luci del tramonto with le and del?

Le luci: the definite article le makes it “the lights,” specifying which lights.
Del tramonto: is di
- il, meaning “of the sunset.” Together le luci del tramonto = “the lights of the sunset.”

Can I move nella vetrina riflessa to the end of the sentence?

Yes. Italian word order is fairly flexible.
For example:
“Vedo le luci del tramonto nella vetrina riflessa.”
The meaning stays the same; only the emphasis or rhythm shifts.

How else could I express this idea in Italian, for instance using a passive or reflexive form?

You have a couple of options:
• Reflexive construction:
“Le luci del tramonto si riflettono nella vetrina.”
• Passive with essere:
“Le luci del tramonto sono riflesse nella vetrina.”
Both convey “the sunset lights are reflected in the shop window.”