German word

Fleck

Pronunciation

IPA/flɛk/

Meaning

  • masculine nounstain

Example

Der Pullover hat einen Fleck.

There is a stain on the sweater.

Illustration for Fleck (stain)

More examples

Trotz des Waschens blieb ein hartnäckiger Fleck am Kragen.

Despite washing, a stubborn stain remained on the collar.

Core concept

A visible patch that breaks the surrounding surface in color or texture, like a mark on fabric, carpet, or skin.

Common phrases

  • einen Fleck entfernen

    remove a stain

  • ein hartnäckiger Fleck

    a stubborn stain

  • ein Fleck auf dem Sofa

    a stain on the sofa

Similar words

Schmutz: Dirt or grime covering a surface, often from mud or dust.
Verfärbung: A patch that has changed color from its original appearance.
Makel: A noticeable flaw or blemish affecting appearance or quality.

Definition in German

Eine sichtbare Verfärbung oder Stelle auf Haut, Teppich oder Kleidung, die sich farblich oder in der Struktur von der Umgebung unterscheidet.

Word origin

Fleck comes from Middle High German vlec or vlek and belongs to a Germanic word family that includes Dutch vlek for a spot or stain.

Usage tips

  • Fleck is masculine, with der Fleck in the singular and die Flecken in the plural.

Other meanings

  • marknoun
  • spotnoun

Opposites

  • Sauberkeitcleanlinessnoun
  • Reinheitpuritynoun

Related words

  • befleckenstainverb
  • fleckigstainedadjective
  • Fleckchenlittle stainnoun

Word lists with this word