spar / crossbar / islet
Loading your saved state.
spar / rail
A load-bearing, usually elongated component in a structure that provides stability. Spars or rails are found, for example, in aircraft wings, bed frames, ladders, or vehicle frames.
Der Holm des Flugzeugflügels muss extremen Belastungen standhalten.
The spar of the aircraft wing must withstand extreme stresses.
The meaning of 'Holm' depends heavily on the context. In technology and construction, it means a load-bearing part; in sports, the crossbar of a goal; and in geography, a small island.
Der Techniker prüfte den Holm des Fahrgestells.
The technician inspected the spar of the chassis.
In the technical meaning, 'Holm' is often used with a genitive construction to specify what the component belongs to. Typical examples are rails or spars in ladders, beds, or vehicles.
Die Holme der Leiter sind aus Aluminium gefertigt.
The rails of the ladder are made of aluminum.
When 'Holm' refers to a handle, it is often used with verbs of grasping or moving. You grab or take hold of the handles in order to guide a device.
Der Gärtner ergriff die Holme der Schubkarre und begann mit der Arbeit.
The gardener took hold of the handles of the wheelbarrow and began working.
In a sports context, especially in soccer, 'Holm' is often used with prepositions like 'an' (against/on) or 'auf' (onto/on) to describe where the ball makes contact.
Der Ball klatschte an den Holm.
The ball smacked against the crossbar.
The meaning 'kleine Insel' (small island) is rare and is used mainly in certain regions or in literary texts. It is uncommon in normal usage.
Ein alter Fischer lebte allein auf einem Holm in der Schlei.
An old fisherman lived alone on an islet in the Schlei.
island
'die Insel' and 'der Holm' can both refer to a piece of land surrounded by water. 'Insel' is the normal and generally understood word. It is used for small and large islands in the sea, in a lake, or in a river. 'Holm' can also mean a small island, especially in a river or lake, but it is regional and much rarer. The words can be confused because 'Holm' in this meaning seems like a special type of island. In everyday language, 'Insel' is almost always more natural. 'Holm' only fits when this regional or special expression is really intended.
Mitten im Fluss liegt ein kleiner Holm, auf dem viele Vögel brüten.
In the middle of the river lies a small islet where many birds breed.
Am Wochenende fahren wir mit dem Boot zu einer kleinen Insel im See.
At the weekend, we are taking the boat to a small island in the lake.