die Schlucht
gorge
A deep, narrow valley with steep, often rocky walls, usually formed by a river or glacier.
EXAMPLE
Wir wanderten auf einem schmalen Pfad am Rande der Schlucht entlang.
We hiked along a narrow path at the edge of the gorge.
die Schlucht
gorge / chasm
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Meanings
die Schlucht
chasm
Figuratively, a deep divide or a large difference that seems impossible to bridge, for example between opinions or social groups.
EXAMPLE
Zwischen den politischen Lagern tat sich eine tiefe Schlucht auf.
A deep chasm opened up between the political camps.
Usage tips
Context clue
You can easily recognize the meaning from the context. If words like 'Felsen' (rocks), 'Fluss' (river), or 'wandern' (to hike) are nearby, it refers to the geographic gorge. With abstract terms like 'Meinung' (opinion), 'Gesellschaft' (society), or 'Politik' (politics), it refers to the figurative chasm.
EXAMPLE
Die Schlucht zwischen Arm und Reich wird in vielen Ländern größer.
The chasm between rich and poor is growing in many countries.
Typical adjectives
In the literal meaning, a gorge is often described with adjectives that characterize its shape and size. Common ones are 'tief' (deep), 'eng' (narrow), 'steil' (steep), or 'felsig' (rocky).
EXAMPLE
Wir blickten von der Brücke in die tiefe, felsige Schlucht.
We looked from the bridge into the deep, rocky gorge.
Figurative use
In the figurative meaning, 'Schlucht' (chasm) describes a large difference that is difficult to overcome. Typical combinations are 'eine Schlucht zwischen' (a chasm between) two groups or opinions. The verb used with it is often 'sich auftun' (to open up).
EXAMPLE
Zwischen den beiden Verhandlungspartnern tat sich eine unüberbrückbare Schlucht auf.
An unbridgeable chasm opened up between the two negotiating partners.
Compare with
Schlucht vs Abgrund
abyss
Both words can refer to a deep depression with steep sides. Eine Schlucht describes more specifically the long, narrow valley between these sides, while der Abgrund emphasizes the threatening depth from the perspective of the edge. For the terrain or passage, Schlucht is more appropriate; for the dangerous view downward, Abgrund is more suitable.
Schlucht
Der Wanderweg führte durch eine enge Schlucht mit steilen Felswänden.
The hiking trail led through a narrow gorge with steep rock walls.
Abgrund
Vom Rand des Abgrunds aus konnte die Wanderin den Boden nicht sehen.
From the edge of the abyss, the hiker could not see the bottom.
In real life
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