01
spärlich
sparse
Present in a small amount, number, or density; not lush or abundant.
example
Nach der langen Dürre war die Vegetation in der Region nur noch spärlich.
After the long drought, the vegetation in the region was only sparse.
spärlich
sparse / scanty
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Spärlich' (sparse/scanty) belongs to the word family of 'sparen' (to save). The connection is the idea that something is present only very sparingly or in small amounts, as if it had to be saved up.
EXAMPLE
Trotz des Erfolgs lebte er weiterhin sehr spärlich.
Despite his success, he continued to live very sparsely.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'wenig' (little/not much), 'spärlich' often describes things that grow or occur in a certain quantity. Typical nouns are: vegetation, growth, hair growth, or also abstract things like information.
EXAMPLE
Die Informationen über den Vorfall sind bisher nur spärlich.
Information about the incident has so far been only scanty.
Adverbial use
In the meaning of 'karg' (bare/austere), 'spärlich' is very often used as an adverb to describe furnishings or equipment. Common combinations are 'spärlich möbliert' (sparsely furnished), 'spärlich beleuchtet' (dimly/sparsely lit), or 'spärlich eingerichtet' (sparsely furnished/equipped).
EXAMPLE
Die Hütte war nur spärlich beleuchtet.
The hut was only dimly lit.
Compare with
spärlich vs einfach
simple / just
'einfach' and 'spärlich' can both describe something without luxury or special equipment. 'einfach' often sounds neutral: something is plain, but perhaps completely sufficient. 'spärlich' sounds stronger and often somewhat negative. It means that little is available and something seems bare or limited. A simple room can be clean and pleasant. A sparsely furnished room tends to seem empty or uncomfortable.
spärlich
Die Ferienwohnung war spärlich eingerichtet, es gab nur ein Bett und einen kleinen Tisch.
The holiday apartment was sparsely furnished; there was only a bed and a small table.
einfach
Für die Nacht reicht uns ein einfaches Zimmer ohne Balkon.
A simple room without a balcony is enough for us for the night.
In real life
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