Lücke

Lücke is a German noun meaning gap, opening, or vacancy. It can denote a physical space such as a gap in a wall, a hole in a garment, or a blank in a form, as well as an abstract deficiency such as a knowledge gap, an omission in a list, or a break in continuity. In everyday language it is used in phrases like eine Lücke schließen (to close a gap) or eine Lücke im Lebenslauf (a gap in a CV). The term also appears in technical contexts to indicate missing data or incomplete sequences.

Pronunciation and grammar: Lücke is pronounced [ˈlʏkə] and is a feminine noun. The singular is die Lücke; the plural is die Lücken. The genitive singular is der Lücke, and the dative singular is der Lücke; the genitive plural is der Lücken.

Origin and surname: Lücke is also a German surname. It likely derives from the noun Lücke, historically used as a nickname or topographic descriptor for someone living near a gate, opening, or gap, or for a person associated with a notable gap. The surname is found in German-speaking regions and among communities of German descent.

See also: The related plural Lücken refers to multiple gaps. The adjective lückenlos means seamless or without gaps, and is commonly used in technical and everyday language. This article describes the general usage of the word; for the surname, see Lücke (surname).