der Abgrund
abyss
A very deep, steep ravine or crevice in the earth’s surface.
EXAMPLE
Vom Rand der Klippe blickten sie ehrfürchtig in den tiefen Abgrund.
From the edge of the cliff, they gazed in awe into the deep abyss.
der Abgrund
abyss
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Meanings
der Abgrund
abyss
A state of great danger, ruin, or despair.
EXAMPLE
Durch die Spielsucht stand er kurz vor dem finanziellen Abgrund.
Because of his gambling addiction, he was on the brink of financial ruin.
der Abgrund
abyss / gulf
A very large, unbridgeable difference or estrangement between people, opinions, or concepts.
EXAMPLE
Zwischen ihren politischen Ansichten tat sich ein unüberwindbarer Abgrund auf.
An insurmountable gulf opened up between their political views.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of the prefix 'ab-' (away, down) and 'Grund' (ground). So an 'Abgrund' (abyss) is literally a place where the ground is far below or completely gone.
EXAMPLE
Der Wanderweg führte direkt am Abgrund entlang.
The hiking trail ran right along the abyss.
Typical expressions
The expression 'am Rande des Abgrunds stehen' (to stand on the edge of the abyss) is very often used figuratively. It describes a person or organization in an extremely dangerous, often financial or moral, situation.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Verlust seines Jobs stand er vor dem finanziellen Abgrund.
After losing his job, he was on the brink of financial ruin.
Sentence structure with 'zwischen'
When 'Abgrund' (abyss / gulf) describes a great difference, the preposition 'zwischen' (between) is almost always used to name the two incompatible sides.
EXAMPLE
Zwischen den beiden Geschwistern tat sich nach dem Streit ein tiefer Abgrund auf.
After the argument, a deep gulf opened up between the two siblings.
Compare with
Abgrund vs Spalte
column / crack
Both words can refer to a deep opening in the ground or rock. Eine Spalte emphasizes the narrow physical opening, while der Abgrund focuses mainly on the enormous depth and the possible danger of falling. For a narrow crack, Spalte is more appropriate; for a threatening depth, Abgrund is more suitable.
Abgrund
Am Rand des Abgrunds blieb der Wanderer wegen der großen Tiefe stehen.
The hiker stopped at the edge of the abyss because of its great depth.
Spalte
Der Wanderer musste über eine schmale Spalte im Fels steigen.
The hiker had to climb over a narrow crevice in the rock.
In real life
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