spröde
chapped · brittle
Etwas fühlt sich hart, trocken oder leicht brüchig an und kann schnell reißen oder splittern.
The German word "spröde" is an adjective that means brittle, fragile, or crisp. It describes something that is easily broken, stiff, or lacking flexibility. It can refer to materials (like brittle glass), hair (dry and coarse), or personality/manner (aloof, reserved).
Word meaning breakdown:
- Root: spröde (no smaller parts as it's an adjective itself)
Similar words:
- zerbrechlich (fragile, breakable)
- brüchig (brittle, prone to breaking)
- rau (rough, coarse)
Difference:
- Spröde emphasizes brittleness combined with stiffness or dryness, often implying susceptibility to breaking without elasticity.
- Zerbrechlich is more general fragility.
- Brüchig typically refers to material prone to cracking or breaking internally.
- Rau refers mostly to surface feel or texture, not directly to brittleness.
In short, "spröde" emphasizes being brittle and dry/stiff at the same time.
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Examples
Ihre Lippen sind im Winter oft spröde.adjective
Her lips are often chapped in winter.
Diese spröden Zweige brechen bei starkem Wind leicht.adjective
These brittle branches break easily in strong winds.
Hast du eine Salbe gegen spröde Haut?adjective
Do you have an ointment for chapped skin?
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