splinter
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splinter
A small, often pointed or sharp-edged piece that has broken or chipped off from a larger whole, for example from wood, glass, or metal.
Ich habe mir beim Holzhacken einen Splitter in den Finger gezogen.
I got a splinter in my finger while chopping wood.
splinter group
A small part of a group, party, or organization that has split off from the main body. Often used as part of 'Splittergruppe' (splinter group) or 'Splitterpartei' (splinter party).
Nach dem Streit bildete sich ein politischer Splitter, der eine eigene Fraktion gründete.
After the dispute, a political splinter group formed and founded its own faction.
'Der Splitter' (the splinter) is closely related to the verb 'splittern' (to splinter), which means 'to break into small, sharp pieces'. This connection helps you understand the meaning of the noun.
Das Glas ist bei dem Aufprall in tausend Stücke gesplittert.
The glass splintered into a thousand pieces on impact.
In connection with injuries, people often use the phrase 'sich einen Splitter einziehen' or 'einfangen' (to get a splinter). Common types are 'Holzsplitter' (wood splinter) or 'Glassplitter' (glass splinter).
Sei vorsichtig, damit du dir keinen Splitter einziehst.
Be careful so you don't get a splinter.
In political or social contexts, 'Splitter' refers to a small group that has separated from a larger organization. It is usually used as part of a compound such as 'Splittergruppe' (splinter group) or 'Splitterpartei' (splinter party).
Die neue Splitterpartei hat bei der Wahl kaum Stimmen bekommen.
The new splinter party got hardly any votes in the election.
shard
Scherbe and Splitter can both refer to a sharp piece of broken glass. Scherbe emphasizes a fragment of a brittle object and is often larger or flatter. Splitter tends to emphasize the small, narrow, or pointed shape of the piece that has chipped off.
Beim Aufräumen entfernte sie einen winzigen Splitter der Fensterscheibe mit einer Pinzette.
While cleaning up, she removed a tiny splinter from the windowpane with tweezers.
Beim Aufräumen hob sie eine große flächige Scherbe der Fensterscheibe auf.
While cleaning up, she picked up a large, flat shard from the windowpane.
