01
der Fels
rock
A large, solid mass of stone that is often part of a mountain or cliff. The plural is 'die Felsen' (rocks).
example
Der Wanderweg führte an einem steilen Fels entlang.
The hiking trail ran along a steep rock face.
der Fels
rock
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'der Fels' (rock) is the basis for the adjective 'felsig' (rocky). So a 'felsige Landschaft' (rocky landscape) is a landscape with many rocks.
EXAMPLE
Die Küste in dieser Region ist sehr felsig.
The coast in this region is very rocky.
Typical prepositions
To describe position or movement in relation to a rock, the prepositions 'am' (an dem, at/on the), 'auf dem' (on the), or 'im' (in the) are often used.
EXAMPLE
Die Bergsteiger machten eine Pause auf einem großen Fels.
The mountaineers took a break on a large rock.
Fixed expression
The expression 'ein Fels in der Brandung sein' (to be a rock in the storm) is a fixed idiom. It describes a person who remains strong, calm, and reliable even in very difficult, chaotic times.
EXAMPLE
In der Krise war der Teamleiter der Fels in der Brandung für seine Mitarbeiter.
In the crisis, the team leader was a rock in the storm for his employees.
Compare with
Fels vs Stein
stone
'der Stein' and 'der Fels' both refer to solid rock. 'Stein' is the normal word for a single piece of rock, often something you can see, touch, or pick up. 'Fels' means a large solid mass of rock, often as part of a mountain or cliff. In everyday language, you also often hear the plural 'Felsen' for individual large formations. The words can be confusing because they refer to the same material. The main point is size: 'Stein' is more like a piece, while 'Fels' is more like a mass or part of the landscape.
Fels
Der Weg führt direkt an einem steilen Fels vorbei.
The path leads directly past a steep rock face.
Stein
Im Garten sammelt Lisa schöne Steine für den Rand des Beets.
In the garden, Lisa collects beautiful stones for the edge of the flower bed.
In real life
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