scissors / gap
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scissors
A tool with two blades that are moved against each other to cut materials such as paper, fabric, or hair.
Gib mir bitte die Schere, ich muss dieses Etikett abschneiden.
Please give me the scissors; I need to cut off this label.
gap
In a figurative sense, a growing gap or divergence between two groups, values, or developments. Often used in social or economic contexts.
Die Schere zwischen Arm und Reich wird in vielen Ländern immer größer.
The gap between rich and poor is growing ever wider in many countries.
scissors move
A specific movement in sports in which the legs are opened and closed like scissors, for example in gymnastics or soccer.
Mit einer schnellen Schere ließ der Fußballer seinen Gegenspieler stehen.
With a quick scissors move, the soccer player left his opponent behind.
The word 'Schere' (scissors) is the second part of many nouns that describe its purpose. This way you immediately know what the scissors are meant for, for example in 'Nagelschere' (nail scissors), 'Papierschere' (paper scissors), or 'Gartenschere' (garden shears).
Für diese feine Arbeit brauchst du eine Nagelschere, keine Papierschere.
For this delicate work, you need nail scissors, not paper scissors.
The figurative meaning of 'Schere' (gap) comes from the image of two blades moving away from each other. It describes a growing gap or an increasing difference between two things.
Die Schere zwischen den Gehältern von Männern und Frauen ist immer noch ein Problem.
The gap between men's and women's salaries is still a problem.
In the figurative meaning, 'Schere' (gap) is often used in the fixed phrase 'die Schere zwischen X und Y' (the gap between X and Y). Typical verbs with it are 'auseinandergehen' (to widen), 'sich öffnen' (to open up), or 'größer werden' (to grow larger).
Die Schere zwischen Stadt und Land geht immer weiter auseinander.
The gap between city and countryside is widening more and more.
In sports, especially in soccer, 'die Schere' (scissors move) refers to a trick in which the legs are crossed over the ball. You 'macht eine Schere' (do a scissors move) in order to beat an opponent.
Der Stürmer trickste den Verteidiger mit einer schnellen Schere aus.
The striker tricked the defender with a quick scissors move.
gap / chasm
In its figurative sense, Schere usually describes values or developments moving apart, for example incomes. Kluft, by contrast, emphasizes the deep divide between social groups or individuals. When referring to growing numerical differences, Schere is usually more appropriate; for social division, Kluft is more suitable.
Zwischen den reichsten und ärmsten Haushalten wächst die Schere bei den Einkommen.
The income gap between the richest and poorest households is widening.
Zwischen den reichsten und ärmsten Haushalten wächst die Kluft in der Gesellschaft.
The divide between the richest and poorest households in society is widening.
