der Sprung
jump
The action of pushing off the ground with the legs and moving through the air.
EXAMPLE
Mit einem großen Sprung überquerte die Katze den Zaun.
With one big jump, the cat crossed the fence.
der Sprung
jump / crack
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Meanings
der Sprung
crack
A crack in a brittle material such as glass, porcelain, or ice.
EXAMPLE
Die Windschutzscheibe hat durch den Steinschlag einen Sprung bekommen.
The windshield got a crack from the stone chip.
der Sprung
leap
A sudden, significant change, development, or improvement.
EXAMPLE
Der Wechsel in die neue Firma war ein wichtiger Sprung auf seiner Karriereleiter.
The move to the new company was an important leap on his career ladder.
auf dem Sprung sein
to be on the go
To be just about to leave; to be in a hurry.
EXAMPLE
Ich kann nicht lange bleiben, ich bin schon wieder auf dem Sprung.
I can't stay long; I'm already on the go again.
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Sprung' (the jump) is the noun form of the verb 'springen' (to jump). This conversion from verb to noun without an additional ending is common with many strong verbs, e.g. 'laufen' (to run) → 'der Lauf' (the run), 'werfen' (to throw) → 'der Wurf' (the throw).
EXAMPLE
Sein Sprung über die Mauer war sehr elegant.
His jump over the wall was very elegant.
A crack in material
In this meaning, 'Sprung' (crack) is used for a crack in fragile things. Typical phrases are 'einen Sprung haben' (to have a crack) or 'einen Sprung bekommen' (to get a crack).
EXAMPLE
Vorsicht, die Tasse hat einen Sprung, sie ist nicht mehr dicht.
Careful, the cup has a crack; it no longer holds liquid.
Metaphorical meaning
'Sprung' (leap) is often used metaphorically for a rapid, positive development. Well-known fixed combinations are 'Karrieresprung' (career leap) or 'Quantensprung' (quantum leap).
EXAMPLE
Die Erfindung des Internets war ein Quantensprung für die Kommunikation.
The invention of the internet was a quantum leap for communication.
Fixed expression
The expression 'auf dem Sprung sein' means that you are in a hurry and have to leave right away. The wording is fixed and cannot be changed.
EXAMPLE
Ich kann nicht mehr lange reden, ich bin schon wieder auf dem Sprung.
I can't talk much longer; I'm already on the go again.
Compare with
Sprung vs Satz
sentence / set
Der Sprung is the general term for a movement made by pushing off the ground. Satz can also refer to a jump, but it is less common and often emphasizes a long, sudden movement made with a strong impulse. In neutral everyday usage, Sprung is usually the better choice.
Sprung
Mit einem weiten Sprung überquerte Lea den Graben.
With a long jump, Lea crossed the ditch.
Satz
Mit einem weiten Satz sprang Lea über den Graben.
With one long bound, Lea leaped over the ditch.
In real life
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