How to Say "Crack" in German - How To Say Guide

Riss

/ʁɪs/

In German, the word for a crack is Riss.

Meaning: to break apart under pressure (verb)

Which one should you use?

While Riss is the standard term, der Sprung is sometimes used in certain regional dialects to refer to a crack.

In some dialects or regional variations, der Sprung replaces Riss.

The plural form of Riss is Risse.

/ʁɪs/

In German technical drawing, der Riss can refer to a 'sketch' or a 'blueprint' rather than a break in a material.
If someone is said to have einen Sprung in der Schüssel, it means they are a bit crazy or eccentric.
The word Sprung, which can mean 'crack', literally translates to 'jump' in German.

In der Decke ist ein Riß.
There's a crack in the ceiling.
The first sentence is useful for describing a crack in a ceiling using Riss.
Tatoeba #12555646 by Waldelfe, translation #9323626 by CK
Die Wand hatte einen Riss.
The wall had a crack in it.
The second sentence shows how to describe a crack in a wall using Riss.
Tatoeba #2290095 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2268634 by _undertoad
Tom sah einen Riss in der Wand.
Tom saw a crack in the wall.
The third sentence is an example of seeing a crack in a wall using Riss.
Tatoeba #3079769 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1093026 by CK
Sieh mal, da ist ein Riss in deinem Handybildschirm.
Look, there's a crack in your cellphone screen.
Nach dem Streit gab es einen Riss in ihrer Freundschaft.
After the argument, there was a crack in their friendship.
4 more sentences on Tatoeba

Julian and Julia are looking at a glass vase.

Sources

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