German word

stechen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃtɛçən/

Meaning

  • verbsting

Example

Pass auf, die Mücke sticht mich.

Watch out, the mosquito is stinging me.

Illustration for stechen (sting)

More examples

Bei der Blutabnahme kann die Nadel kurz stechen.

During a blood draw, the needle may briefly sting.

Core concept

A sudden jab from a point, such as an insect's mouthpart or a needle.

Common phrases

  • auf der Haut stechen

    prickle on the skin

  • mit einer Nadel stechen

    prick with a needle

  • jemandem ins Herz stechen

    stab someone in the heart

Similar words

beißen: A painful bite that breaks through the skin.
einstechen: A blade or needle driven into an object or the skin and through it.
piksen: A gentle prick from a needle causing a small, sharp pain.

Definition in German

einen kurzen, scharfen Schmerz verursachen oder fühlen, wie er durch eine Nadel oder ein Insekt entsteht

Word origin

The German verb stechen belongs to an old Germanic word family that includes the related noun Stich for a stab or sharp jab.

Usage tips

  • Sharp bodily pain is often expressed impersonally with es sticht, as in Es sticht in der Seite for a stabbing pain in the side.

Other meanings

  • pierceverb
  • prickverb

Related words

  • der Stichstab woundnoun
  • stechendstingingadjective

Word lists with this word