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.
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
'der Clip' and 'die Spange' can both be small objects that hold or fasten something. A 'Clip' is usually a simple clip or clamp used to attach things or hold them together. A 'Spange' is used especially for hair, jewelry, clothing, or also as a short form for 'Zahnspange' (braces). The words can be confused when an object is small and holds something in place. For paper or cables, 'Clip' sounds more natural. For hair, jewelry, or a visible clasp, you are more likely to say 'Spange'.
Vor dem Termin steckt sich Maria eine silberne Spange ins Haar.
Before the appointment, Maria puts a silver clip in her hair.
Die Lehrerin fragt, ob jemand einen Clip für die losen Blätter hat.
The teacher asks whether anyone has a clip for the loose sheets of paper.