clip / brace / clasp
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clip
A small object, often made of metal or plastic, used to hold hair together or worn as decoration in the hair. Colloquially, the term is also used for braces.
Sie hat ihre Haare mit einer einfachen Spange zurückgesteckt.
She pinned her hair back with a simple clip.
brace
An orthodontic appliance made of metal and wires that is used to correct misaligned teeth. Usually used as a short form of 'Zahnspange' (braces).
Mein Sohn bekommt nächste Woche seine feste Spange.
My son is getting his fixed braces next week.
connector road
A connecting or supporting structural element, especially in construction and transportation. It often refers to a short connecting road or bridge that links two larger traffic routes.
Die neue Autobahnspange soll die Innenstadt vom Durchgangsverkehr entlasten.
The new motorway connector is intended to relieve the city center of through traffic.
clasp
A fastening mechanism or clasp on clothing, bags, or jewelry.
Die Spange an ihrem Armband war aus echtem Silber gefertigt.
The clasp on her bracelet was made of real silver.
The word 'Spange' has the basic idea of connecting or holding together. This idea appears in all of its meanings: a clip holds hair together, braces connect teeth, a connector links roads, or a clasp closes a piece of jewelry.
Die Brosche hat eine sehr filigrane Spange.
The brooch has a very delicate clasp.
To recognize the correct meaning of 'Spange', pay attention to the words around it. Terms like 'Haare' (hair), 'Zähne' (teeth), 'Autobahn' (motorway), or 'Armband' (bracelet) immediately make clear what kind of 'Spange' is meant.
Wegen des Unfalls auf der neuen Spange gibt es Stau.
Because of the accident on the new connector road, there is a traffic jam.
In everyday language, 'Spange' is a very common and widely used abbreviation for 'Zahnspange' (braces). When people are talking about teenagers and their teeth, braces are almost always meant.
Viele meiner Freunde mussten als Teenager eine Spange tragen.
Many of my friends had to wear braces as teenagers.
In the context of transportation, construction, or urban planning, 'Spange' is a technical term for a connector road. You often hear or read this term in traffic reports or the news.
Die Bauarbeiten an der neuen Spange sollen nächstes Jahr beginnen.
Construction work on the new connector road is scheduled to begin next year.
clip
Both words can refer to a small object used to hold hair in place. Spange particularly denotes the hair accessory, whereas Clip focuses more on the clasp and its fastening mechanism. Spange is usually the better choice for jewelry or a typical hair accessory, while Clip is more suitable for a clasp.
Für die Feier trug sie eine glänzende Spange im Haar.
She wore a shiny hair clip for the party.
Mit einem kleinen Clip hielt sie die lose Haarsträhne aus ihrem Gesicht.
She used a small clip to keep the loose strand of hair out of her face.
