der Funke
spark
A small glowing particle that flies out of a fire or burning material.
EXAMPLE
Ein Funke aus dem Kamin setzte den Teppich in Brand.
A spark from the fireplace set the carpet on fire.
der Funke
spark
der Funke, die Funken
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Meanings
der Funke
spark
A brief electrical discharge that produces light and usually also a crackling sound.
EXAMPLE
Als er den Stecker berührte, sprang ein Funke über.
When he touched the plug, a spark jumped across.
der Funke
spark
A small trace of something, especially a feeling such as hope or courage; also the initial impetus for an idea or development.
EXAMPLE
Schon ein kleiner Funke Hoffnung half ihr, weiterzumachen.
Even a small spark of hope helped her keep going.
der Funke springt über
there's a spark
Between people, enthusiasm, sympathy, or a special connection develops immediately.
EXAMPLE
Beim ersten Gespräch sprang der Funke zwischen den beiden über.
There was an instant spark between the two of them during their first conversation.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Funke, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance (der)
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Funken |
| genitive | des Funkens |
The four cases (der)
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Funke | die Funken |
| accusative | den Funken | die Funken |
| dative | dem Funken | den Funken |
| genitive | des Funkens | der Funken |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
At a glance (die)
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Funken |
| genitive | der Funke |
The four cases (die)
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Funke | die Funken |
| accusative | die Funke | die Funken |
| dative | der Funke | den Funken |
| genitive | der Funke | der Funken |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Fire-related expressions
In the literal fire-related meaning, “Funke” (spark) frequently occurs with verbs such as “fliegen” (to fly), “sprühen” (to spray) or “erlöschen” (to go out). “Funken schlagen” (to emit sparks) also describes the formation of many small glowing particles.
EXAMPLE
Beim Schweißen flog ein Funke auf den Holzboden.
A spark flew onto the wooden floor while they were welding.
Electrical connections
For an electrical discharge, “Funke” (spark) is often used with “überspringen” (to jump across). The preposition “zwischen” (between) often names the two electrical parts involved.
EXAMPLE
Zwischen den beschädigten Kabeln sprang ein Funke über.
A spark jumped across between the damaged cables.
Figurative expressions
In its figurative meaning, “Funke” (spark) frequently comes before words such as “Hoffnung” (hope), “Mut” (courage), or “Begeisterung” (enthusiasm). For the decisive impetus behind an idea, people often say “der zündende Funke” (the spark that ignites an idea).
EXAMPLE
Er hatte keinen Funken Mut, seiner Chefin zu widersprechen.
He didn't have a spark of courage to contradict his boss.
Fixed expression
The expression “der Funke springt über” (the spark jumps across) describes how enthusiasm, sympathy, or a special connection develops immediately between people. The people involved are often introduced with “zwischen” (between) and the dative. The expression can be used in all tenses. For a past event, the simple past or present perfect is common, for example: “Beim ersten Gespräch sprang der Funke über.” (The spark jumped across during their first conversation.)
EXAMPLE
Zwischen Lara und Amir sprang beim ersten Tanz sofort der Funke über.
There was an instant spark between Lara and Amir during their first dance.
In real life
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