gespalten
split
Separated or divided into two or more parts, usually by breaking or cutting.
EXAMPLE
Das Holz ist in der Mitte gespalten.
The wood is split down the middle.
gespalten
split / divided / torn
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Meanings
gespalten
divided
Describes a group or society split into camps with different, conflicting opinions.
EXAMPLE
Die Bevölkerung ist in dieser Frage tief gespalten.
The population is deeply divided on this issue.
gespalten
torn
Experiencing an inner conflict between different wishes, feelings, or choices.
EXAMPLE
Sie war innerlich gespalten und wusste nicht, ob sie die neue Stelle annehmen sollte.
She was torn and didn't know whether to accept the new job.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry gespalten, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | gespalten |
|---|
After der, die, das
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to gespalten.
After ein, eine
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to gespalten.
Without article
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to gespalten.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Gespalten' (split) is the past participle of the verb 'spalten' (to split) and is also used as an adjective. With 'sein' (to be), it often describes a resulting state or outcome.
EXAMPLE
Der alte Baumstamm ist vollständig gespalten.
The old tree trunk is completely split.
Typical collocations
When describing a physical division, 'gespalten' (split) is often used with materials or objects such as wood, logs, or stones. A typical collocation is 'gespaltenes Holz' (split wood).
EXAMPLE
Neben dem Kamin lag ein Stapel gespaltenes Holz.
There was a pile of split wood next to the fireplace.
Fixed preposition
When referring to differing opinions, 'gespalten' (divided) is often used with 'in' (on) and an issue or topic. The group concerned is usually the subject.
EXAMPLE
Die Fraktion ist in dieser Frage gespalten.
The parliamentary group is divided on this issue.
Inner conflict
The phrase 'innerlich gespalten' (internally torn) is often used for a personal inner conflict. The opposing options can be expressed, for example, with 'zwischen … und … hin- und hergerissen' (torn between … and …).
EXAMPLE
Er fühlte sich angesichts der Wahl zwischen beruflicher Sicherheit und persönlicher Freiheit innerlich gespalten.
Faced with the choice between job security and personal freedom, he felt torn.
In real life
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