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
die Abspaltung, die Abspaltungen
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Meanings
die Abspaltung
cleavage / removal
In chemistry or biology, the separation of an atom or group of atoms from a molecule.
EXAMPLE
Bei der Reaktion findet eine Abspaltung von Kohlendioxid statt.
During the reaction, the removal of carbon dioxide takes place.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Abspaltung, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Abspaltungen |
| genitive | der Abspaltung |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Abspaltung | die Abspaltungen |
| accusative | die Abspaltung | die Abspaltungen |
| dative | der Abspaltung | den Abspaltungen |
| genitive | der Abspaltung | der Abspaltungen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
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.
Die Abspaltung eines Wasserstoffatoms ist der erste Schritt der Reaktion.
The removal of a hydrogen atom is the first step of the reaction.
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.
Nach langen Konflikten kam es zur Abspaltung der südlichen Region.
After long conflicts, the southern region 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 Spaltung
split / division
Spaltung refers to the division of an entire group into several camps. Abspaltung, by contrast, focuses on a part that breaks away from the larger group. For a political party, use Spaltung for the division as a whole and Abspaltung for the departure of a particular faction.
Abspaltung
Der Streit führte zur Abspaltung eines Flügels von der Partei.
The dispute led to a faction breaking away from the party.
Spaltung
Der Streit führte zur Spaltung der Partei in zwei gegnerische Lager.
The dispute led to the party’s split into two opposing camps.
In real life
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