Meaning 1neutral; technical senses also exist · 82%
To divide something lengthwise or along its grain into multiple parts.
Natural examples
Der Holzarbeiter spaltet einen dicken Stamm mit der Axt.
Using an axe, the woodworker splits a thick log.
Die Diskussion spaltete die Gruppe in zwei Lager.
A heated debate divided the group into two camps.
Das alte Brett lässt sich leicht spalten.
Even an old plank splits easily.
Usage note
Spalten is strong and uses haben. Its past participle occurs as gespalten and gespaltet; this selected sense is transitive. A separate intransitive pattern is sich spalten.
Mini-lesson: spalten
To divide something lengthwise or along its grain into multiple parts. Spalten is strong and uses haben. Its past participle occurs as gespalten and gespaltet; this selected sense is transitive. A separate intransitive pattern is sich spalten.
Check your learning
Choose one answer.Which definition matches «spalten»?