crack / rift
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crack
A long, narrow split or opening in a surface that has been caused by tearing, breaking, or splitting.
Durch das Erdbeben entstand ein tiefer Riss in der Hauswand.
The earthquake caused a deep crack in the wall of the house.
'Der Riss' (the crack/rift) is the noun form of the verb 'reißen' (to tear). It describes the result of the action: when something tears, a 'Riss' (crack) appears. This applies to both physical and figurative meanings.
Beim Umzug ist das alte Foto leider gerissen und hat jetzt einen Riss.
During the move, the old photo unfortunately tore and now has a crack.
The context makes the meaning clear: if people are talking about materials like walls or paper, it means a split or crack. In connection with relationships or groups, it refers to a break or rift. Verbs like 'zeichnen' (to draw) or 'anfertigen' (to make/produce) point to a sketch.
Der Riss im Tischtuch lässt sich nähen.
The tear in the tablecloth can be sewn up.
For a physical split, 'Riss' (crack) is often combined with the places where it appears: 'ein Riss in der Wand' (a crack in the wall), 'im Glas' (in the glass), or 'im Stoff' (in the fabric). Typical adjectives are 'tief' (deep), 'fein' (fine), or 'kaum sichtbar' (barely visible).
Nach dem Winter hatten viele Straßen tiefe Risse im Asphalt.
After the winter, many roads had deep cracks in the asphalt.
In the figurative meaning, 'Riss' (rift) describes a deep division. The phrase 'ein Riss geht durch...' (a rift runs through...) is often used to describe disagreement within a group.
Seit der politischen Debatte geht ein Riss durch die Dorfgemeinschaft.
Since the political debate, a rift has run through the village community.
cut
'der Schnitt' and 'der Riss' can both refer to an opening or damage in a surface. The difference mainly lies in how it was created. A 'Schnitt' is caused by cutting, for example with a knife, scissors, or glass. A 'Riss' is caused by tearing, breaking, or strong pressure, for example in paper, fabric, or a wall. Learners may confuse the words because both can look like a narrow line. Ask yourself: Was it cut? Then it is a 'Schnitt'. Did it tear or break? Then it is a 'Riss'.
Mina hat am Wochenende einen Riss in ihrer Jacke entdeckt.
Mina discovered a tear in her jacket over the weekend.
Beim Kochen hat Elif einen kleinen Schnitt am Finger bekommen.
While cooking, Elif got a small cut on her finger.