spærliche

Spärliche is a German word that translates to "sparse," "scanty," "meager," or "thin" in English. It is used to describe something that is present in only small quantities or is thinly distributed.

The word can be applied in various contexts. For instance, it might describe sparse vegetation in a dry region, where plants are few and far between. It can also refer to sparse hair, meaning hair that is thin or not dense. In a more abstract sense, spärliche evidence might indicate a lack of information or proof. Similarly, spärliche results suggest that outcomes are minimal or disappointing. The term often carries a connotation of insufficiency or lack.

The etymology of spärliche can be traced back to Old High German "spar," meaning "saving" or "frugal." This connection suggests an idea of something being held back or not given in abundance. The word is a common adjective in German and is widely understood to convey the meaning of scarcity.