01
die Abspaltung
split-off
The separation of one part from a larger group, organization, or state.
example
Die politische Partei fürchtete eine Abspaltung ihres linken Flügels.
The political party feared a split-off of its left wing.
die Abspaltung
split-off / separation
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word derives from the separable verb 'abspalten' (to split off). The prefix 'ab-' means 'away,' and 'spalten' means 'to split' or 'to separate.' The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a feminine noun that describes the process of separation.
EXAMPLE
Die Abspaltung des kleinen Unternehmens vom Mutterkonzern war kompliziert.
The split-off of the small company from the parent corporation was complicated.
Use with 'von'
'Abspaltung' (split-off/separation) is almost always used with the preposition 'von' and the dative to show what a part separates from.
EXAMPLE
Es gab Gerüchte über eine Abspaltung von der Regierungspartei.
There were rumors about a split-off from the governing party.
Typical collocations
In a political or social context, you often hear of a 'drohende Abspaltung' (threatened split-off) or that 'es zu einer Abspaltung kommt' (a split-off occurs). Verbs like 'verhindern' (to prevent) or 'befürchten' (to fear) are also typical.
EXAMPLE
Die Parteiführung versucht, eine Abspaltung zu verhindern.
The party leadership is trying to prevent a split-off.
Register: technical language
This meaning of 'Abspaltung' (cleavage/removal) belongs to the technical language of chemistry and biology. You will rarely hear it in everyday life.
EXAMPLE
Der Prozess erfordert die Abspaltung einer Carboxylgruppe.
The process requires the cleavage of a carboxyl group.
Compare with
Abspaltung vs Trennung
separation
'die Trennung' and 'die Abspaltung' can both mean that something no longer belongs to something else. 'Trennung' is the more general word: it can be about people, things, or abstract areas. 'Abspaltung' is more precise when a part breaks away from a larger group, organization, or state. It often remains clear that there was previously a larger whole. Learners may confuse the words because both describe a moving apart. If something is simply being separated in a general sense, you are more likely to say 'Trennung'. If a part leaves a larger unit, 'Abspaltung' is more precise.
Abspaltung
Die Abspaltung einer kleinen Gruppe führte zur Gründung eines neuen Vereins.
The split-off of a small group led to the founding of a new association.
Trennung
Für die Prüfung wiederholen wir die Trennung von Kirche und Staat.
For the exam, we are reviewing the separation of church and state.
In real life
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