Scharnier vs. Türangel
While both words translate to "hinge" in English, Scharnier is the broader, technical term for any mechanical folding joint, whereas Türangel refers specifically to the hook or pin mechanism typically found on house doors and heavy gates.
Scharnier
B2This word is the general, modern term for a hinge. It describes a mechanical joint used to connect two solid objects, allowing them to rotate relative to each other. You use Scharnier for cupboards, small boxes, laptops, glasses, and modern flat door mechanisms.
Das Scharnier an der Küchenschranktür ist locker.
(The hinge on the kitchen cupboard door is loose.)
Er reparierte das kleine Scharnier an seiner Brille mit einem winzigen Schraubenzieher.
(He fixed the small hinge on his glasses with a tiny screwdriver.)
Dieses Scharnier muss geölt werden, weil es quietscht.
(This hinge needs to be oiled because it squeaks.)
Der Laptop lässt sich dank eines 360-Grad-Scharniers komplett umklappen.
(The laptop can be folded over completely thanks to a 360-degree hinge.)
Türangel
C2This word (often shortened to just Angel) refers specifically to the pivot, pintle, or hook mechanism that a door hangs upon. It implies a vertical pin that fits into a socket. It is used almost exclusively for house doors, heavy gates, and in the phrase "to lift a door of its hinges."
Wir mussten die schwere Eichentür aus der Türangel heben.
(We had to lift the heavy oak door off the hinge.)
Die alte Türangel ist verrostet und hält das Tor nicht mehr gerade.
(The old door hinge is rusted and no longer holds the gate straight.)
Beim Streichen des Rahmens solltest du die Türen aushängen, indem du sie von den Angeln hebst.
(When painting the frame, you should take down the doors by lifting them off the hinges.)
Die Nachricht hat sein Leben völlig aus den Angeln gehoben.
(The news turned his life completely upside down.)
Summary
Use Scharnier for almost all contexts, including furniture, small objects, and general mechanics. Use Türangel primarily when referring to the vertical mounting pins of house doors, garden gates, or the specific action of unhooking a door from its frame.