stick
der Stecken, die Stecken
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stick
Regional, especially in southern Germany: A stick, meaning a long, usually wooden piece that can be used for support, carrying, walking, or as a simple weapon.
Der Wanderer stützte sich auf einen stabilen Stecken.
The hiker supported himself with a sturdy stick.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Stecken |
| genitive | des Steckens |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Stecken | die Stecken |
| accusative | den Stecken | die Stecken |
| dative | dem Stecken | den Stecken |
| genitive | des Steckens | der Stecken |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
With 'stützen' (to support), 'Stecken' (stick) is often used in the phrase 'sich auf einen Stecken stützen' (to support oneself with a stick). 'Auf' is followed by the accusative here because the person shifts their weight onto the stick.
Beim steilen Abstieg hat sich die Großmutter auf einen Stecken gestützt.
During the steep descent, the grandmother supported herself with a stick.
Common combinations include 'einen langen Stecken tragen' (to carry a long stick), 'einen Stecken in der Hand halten' (to hold a stick in one's hand), and 'mit einem Stecken auf den Boden schlagen' (to hit the ground with a stick). Such combinations usually describe a specific action involving the object.
Der Hirte hielt einen Stecken in der Hand, während er die Herde beobachtete.
The shepherd held a stick in his hand while watching the flock.
In this meaning, 'Stecken' (stick) is used mainly in southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland; elsewhere in Germany, people usually say 'Stock' (stick). As a result, the word can sound traditional or literary. It is especially common in stories, descriptions of hiking, or rural scenes.
Im Märchen wanderte der alte Mann mit einem Stecken durch den dunklen Wald.
In the fairy tale, the old man walked through the dark forest with a stick.
