das Tröpfchen
droplet
A very small drop of liquid.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Regen hingen noch kleine Tröpfchen an den Blättern.
After the rain, small droplets were still hanging on the leaves.
das Tröpfchen
droplet
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Meanings
Usage tips
Diminutive form
The ending '-chen' is a diminutive form. A 'Tröpfchen' (droplet) is therefore a small 'Tropfen' (drop). All nouns with the ending '-chen' are neuter and have the article 'das'.
EXAMPLE
Ein einzelnes Tröpfchen fiel vom undichten Wasserhahn.
A single droplet fell from the leaky faucet.
Typical combinations
'Tröpfchen' (droplet) is often combined with the type of liquid, for example as 'Wassertröpfchen' (water droplet) or 'Regentröpfchen' (raindrop). Typical verbs are 'perlen' (to bead), 'hängen' (to hang), or 'sich bilden' (to form).
EXAMPLE
Am Morgen perlten unzählige Tautröpfchen auf den Grashalmen.
In the morning, countless tiny dew droplets beaded on the blades of grass.
Medical context
The word is not only used for rain or dew. In the medical field, people speak of a 'Tröpfcheninfektion' (droplet infection) when diseases are transmitted through tiny liquid particles in the air.
EXAMPLE
Beim Husten und Niesen verbreiten sich feine Tröpfchen in der Umgebung.
When coughing and sneezing, fine droplets spread into the surrounding area.
Compare with
Tröpfchen vs Tropfen
drop
Tropfen and Tröpfchen both refer to a small amount of liquid. Tröpfchen is the diminutive form and emphasizes that the amount is especially tiny. Tropfen is neutral, while Tröpfchen additionally highlights the small size.
Tröpfchen
Ein winziges Tröpfchen Wasser blieb auf dem Glas liegen.
A tiny droplet of water remained on the glass.
Tropfen
Ein Tropfen Wasser blieb auf dem Glas liegen.
A drop of water remained on the glass.
In real life
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