die Trennung
separation
The ending of a romantic relationship or marriage.
EXAMPLE
Die Trennung von seiner langjährigen Freundin fiel ihm sehr schwer.
The separation from his long-term girlfriend was very hard for him.
die Trennung
separation
die Trennung, die Trennungen
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Meanings
die Trennung
separation
The process in which things or people are separated or divided from one another.
EXAMPLE
Die konsequente Trennung von Müll hilft beim Recycling.
Consistent separation of waste helps with recycling.
die Trennung
separation
The division or keeping apart of abstract areas or concepts, such as powers in a state.
EXAMPLE
In einer Demokratie ist die Trennung von Judikative und Exekutive ein wichtiges Prinzip.
In a democracy, the separation of the judiciary and the executive is an important principle.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Trennung, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Trennungen |
| genitive | der Trennung |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Trennung | die Trennungen |
| accusative | die Trennung | die Trennungen |
| dative | der Trennung | den Trennungen |
| genitive | der Trennung | der Trennungen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Die Trennung' (separation) is a noun derived from the verb 'trennen' (to separate). The ending '-ung' is often used to form a noun from a verb that describes the action or the result of that action.
EXAMPLE
Man muss den Müll sorgfältig trennen.
You have to separate the waste carefully.
Die Trennung des Mülls ist wichtig für die Umwelt.
The separation of waste is important for the environment.
Fixed preposition
'Die Trennung' is almost always used with the preposition 'von' and the dative to express what or who is being separated. This pattern applies to all meanings.
EXAMPLE
Die Trennung von ihrem Partner war schmerzhaft.
The separation from her partner was painful.
Die Trennung von Beruf und Privatleben ist nicht immer einfach.
The separation of work and private life is not always easy.
Context clue
You can tell what kind of 'Trennung' is meant from the object after the preposition 'von'. If it refers to a person, it is about a relationship. If it refers to things, it is about separation. If it refers to concepts, it is about a basic distinction.
EXAMPLE
Die Trennung von den Kindern fiel ihr schwer.
The separation from the children was hard for her.
Die Trennung von Plastik und Papier ist der erste Schritt beim Recycling.
The separation of plastic and paper is the first step in recycling.
Typical compound
The word 'Trennung' is part of many important compound nouns. A very everyday example is 'die Mülltrennung' (waste separation), meaning the separation of waste.
EXAMPLE
In Deutschland ist die Mülltrennung gesetzlich vorgeschrieben.
In Germany, waste separation is required by law.
Compare with
Trennung vs Bruch
break / fracture / fraction
Trennung and Bruch can both refer to the end of a relationship. Trennung sounds neutral and initially describes the end of the relationship, while Bruch usually suggests an abrupt and conflict-ridden break. Use Trennung for a factual description and Bruch when the argument or the harsh break is important.
Trennung
Nach vielen Gesprächen entschieden sie sich in gegenseitigem Einvernehmen für die Trennung.
After many discussions, they mutually agreed to end the relationship.
Bruch
Nach dem heftigen Streit kam es zum Bruch zwischen den beiden Freunden.
After the heated argument, the two friends broke off their friendship.
In real life
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