appendage / hanger-on
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appendage
A smaller object, often perceived as unimportant or merely decorative, that is attached to something larger and hangs from it.
An ihrem Schlüsselbund hatte sie unzählige kleine Anhängsel.
She had countless little appendages on her keychain.
hanger-on
A person who constantly accompanies another person and appears dependent on them or subordinate to them. This term is usually meant in a derogatory way.
Sie wollte nicht immer nur als das lästige Anhängsel ihres berühmten Mannes gesehen werden.
She did not always want to be seen merely as the annoying hanger-on of her famous husband.
The word is derived from the verb 'anhängen' (to attach / to hang onto) and has the ending '-sel'. This ending forms nouns that often refer to the result of an action or to an object, sometimes with a slightly diminutive or negative note.
Was ist das für ein komisches Anhängsel an deiner Tasche?
What is that strange appendage on your bag?
The context makes it clear whether an object or a person is meant. If the word refers to a person, the meaning is always negative and derogatory.
Er fühlt sich auf Partys oft nur als das Anhängsel seiner Freundin.
At parties, he often feels like nothing more than his girlfriend's hanger-on.
When an object is meant, 'Anhängsel' (appendage) is often used for small, decorative, or unimportant things. Typical examples are 'Anhängsel am Schlüsselbund' (appendage on a keychain), 'Anhängsel an einer Kette' (pendant on a chain), or 'Anhängsel an einer Tasche' (appendage on a bag).
Ihr Schlüsselbund war so voll mit Anhängseln, dass er kaum in die Tasche passte.
Her keychain was so full of appendages that it barely fit in her bag.
When 'Anhängsel' (hanger-on) describes a person, it is strongly derogatory (pejorative). It expresses that the person is perceived as unimportant, dependent, and annoying. Use it with caution.
Der kleine Bruder fühlte sich immer als lästiges Anhängsel.
The little brother always felt like an annoying hanger-on.
supporter / trailer / pendant
Both words can refer to a small object hanging from a bag. „Anhänger“ is a neutral term for the piece of jewelry, while „Anhängsel“ presents it more as a secondary or merely decorative addition. Use „Anhängsel“ when this lesser importance is implied.
An der Tasche hängt nur ein kleines Anhängsel ohne besondere Funktion.
Only a small appendage with no particular function hangs from the bag.
An der Tasche hängt ein kleiner Anhänger in Form eines Sterns.
A small star-shaped pendant hangs from the bag.
