spike
Loading your saved state.
spike
A spike-like protein on the surface of a virus that helps the virus enter host cells. The term became especially well known through the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
Die Impfung zielt auf das Spike-Protein des Virus ab.
The vaccine targets the virus's spike protein.
The word 'Spike' is borrowed directly from English, where it means 'Stachel' (spike) or 'Spitze' (point/tip). This original meaning helps you understand both German uses: the spike on a virus and the pin on a shoe.
Das Virus nutzt seine Spikes, um an Zellen anzudocken.
The virus uses its spikes to dock onto cells.
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Spike' from context. In connection with viruses, biology, or medicine, it refers to the protein. In the context of sports, shoes, cars, or winter tires, it refers to the metal pins.
Die Forschung konzentriert sich auf die Spikes des neuen Virus.
Research is focusing on the spikes of the new virus.
In a biological context, 'Spike' is very often used as part of the compound 'Spike-Protein' (spike protein). It is often treated as a single term.
Das Spike-Protein ist der Schlüssel für das Virus, um in die Zelle zu gelangen.
The spike protein is the key for the virus to enter the cell.
When talking about shoes or tires, the word is usually used in the plural 'Spikes' (spikes), because it rarely refers to just one single pin. The combination with the preposition 'mit' (with) is typical.
Meine neuen Laufschuhe haben austauschbare Spikes.
My new running shoes have replaceable spikes.
nail
'der Nagel' and 'der Spike' can both mean a short, pointed metal pin. The difference lies in their purpose. A 'Nagel' is usually driven into wood or a wall to fasten something. A 'Spike' is more likely to be on shoes or tires and provides better grip on ice, snow, or a running track. Learners may confuse the words because both can be pointed and made of metal. As a simple guide: for fastening things, you usually say 'Nagel'; for better grip in sports or on tires, 'Spike' is more likely.
Beim Training auf der nassen Bahn rutschte ein Spike aus dem Laufschuh.
During training on the wet track, a spike slipped out of the running shoe.
Der Nagel in der Wand hält das kleine Bild über dem Schreibtisch.
The nail in the wall holds the small picture above the desk.