German word

klaffen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈklafn̩/

Meaning

  • verbbe far apart

Example

Zwischen Theorie und Praxis klafft eine Lücke.

There is a wide gap between theory and practice.

Illustration for klaffen (be far apart)

More examples

In öffentlichen Debatten klaffen oft die Erwartungen auseinander.

In public debates, expectations are often far apart.

Core concept

Two edges stand widely apart, leaving a conspicuous gap that can also represent a stark divide between abstract things.

Common phrases

  • klafft eine Lücke

    a wide gap yawns

  • klaffen die Fronten auseinander

    The positions are far apart

Similar words

auseinanderklaffen: To spread far apart, leaving a pronounced gap between two parts or values.
auseinandergehen: To diverge in direction, result, or opinion rather than agree.
abweichen: To differ from the usual pattern, standard, or expected outcome.
auseinanderdriften: To grow steadily further apart in relationships, views, or positions.

Definition in German

klaffen bedeutet, dass zwei Teile oder Seiten weit offen oder auseinanderstehen, sodass eine deutliche Öffnung oder Kluft entsteht.

Word origin

The verb is attested in Middle High German as klaffen and retains its older physical sense of an opening or split.

Usage tips

  • Klaffen is usually intransitive, as in "Zwischen Theorie und Praxis klafft eine Lücke," rather than a verb for actively opening something.

Other meanings

  • gapeverb

Opposites

Related words

  • das Klaffengapingnoun
  • klaffendgaping wideadjective

Word lists with this word