Lichtbrücken - eine Einführung.

An attempt is made to describe the structure of sunspot lightbridges. The development of light bridges is studied, including the formation of streamers. Although a distinct relationship exists between sunspot decay and light bridges it appears that the latter is a side effect of decay and not the cause. Attention is also given to classification of light bridges into three types, according to the degree of decay. The observation of physical parameters is covered, noting the difficulties encountered due to atmospheric distortions. Further, it has not yet been determined if light bridges divide the polarity of the sunspot or not.