01
der Zipfel
tip / corner
The tapering, pointed end of something, for example of a cloth, a sausage, or a cap.
example
Die Katze spielte mit dem Zipfel der Tischdecke.
The cat played with the corner of the tablecloth.
der Zipfel
tip / corner
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Use with genitive
To say what something is the 'Zipfel' (tip/corner) of, you usually use the genitive or the preposition 'von' (of/from). Both are grammatically correct.
EXAMPLE
Pass auf, der Zipfel deiner Jacke hängt aus der Autotür.
Watch out, the corner of your jacket is hanging out of the car door.
Typical adjectives
In the geographical meaning, 'Zipfel' is often combined with adjectives such as 'klein' (small), 'abgelegen' (remote), 'entlegen' (remote), or 'hinterster' (farthest/backmost) to emphasize how secluded a place is.
EXAMPLE
Sein Heimatdorf liegt in einem entlegenen Zipfel der Alpen.
His home village lies in a remote corner of the Alps.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'jemanden am Zipfel kriegen' is a fixed unit. It means to just manage to get hold of a person who had actually almost escaped.
EXAMPLE
Ich dachte, er wäre schon weg, aber ich habe ihn am Ausgang noch am Zipfel gekriegt.
I thought he had already left, but I just caught him at the exit.
Register: colloquial
The expression 'jemanden am Zipfel kriegen' clearly belongs to colloquial speech. In formal or written contexts, you would generally avoid it.
EXAMPLE
Beeil dich, sonst kriegen wir den Bus nicht mehr am Zipfel!
Hurry up, otherwise we won't catch the bus!
Compare with
Zipfel vs Ende
end
'das Ende' and 'der Zipfel' can both refer to an outer part of something. 'das Ende' is the general word for the last point or boundary, for example of a street or a rope. 'der Zipfel' is more specific: it often means a small, pointed, or protruding end, for example on a cloth or a cap. For an area, too, 'Zipfel' can mean a small, remote part. If only the boundary is important, you say 'Ende'. If the shape or a small protruding part is important, 'Zipfel' fits better.
Zipfel
Das Kind hielt den Zipfel der Decke fest, weil es nicht einschlafen konnte.
The child held tightly onto the corner of the blanket because they could not fall asleep.
Ende
Am Ende der Straße steht ein altes gelbes Haus.
At the end of the street, there is an old yellow house.
In real life
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