der Fleck
stain
A small dirty or discolored area on a surface.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe einen Kaffeefleck auf meinem neuen Hemd.
I have a coffee stain on my new shirt.
der Fleck
stain / spot
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Meanings
der Fleck
spot / place
A specific place, location, or small area in a landscape.
EXAMPLE
Hinter dem Hügel liegt ein wunderschöner Fleck unberührter Natur.
Behind the hill lies a beautiful spot of untouched nature.
sich nicht vom Fleck bewegen
not move an inch
To make no progress; to stay in one place without moving forward.
EXAMPLE
Wegen des Unfalls bewegt sich der Verkehr auf der Autobahn nicht vom Fleck.
Because of the accident, traffic on the highway isn't moving an inch.
der Fleck
spot / patch
A naturally colored area on the skin or fur of a living creature.
EXAMPLE
Unser Hund hat einen weißen Fleck auf der Brust.
Our dog has a white patch on his chest.
Usage tips
Context clue
The two main meanings can be distinguished well from context. A 'Fleck' (stain) on clothing or surfaces is usually unwanted dirt or discoloration. A 'Fleck' (spot) in a landscape, on the other hand, is a place described neutrally or positively.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe einen Grasfleck auf meiner neuen Hose.
I have a grass stain on my new pants.
Typical collocations
When referring to dirt or staining, 'Fleck' (stain) is often combined with verbs like 'machen' (to make), 'entfernen' (to remove), or 'rausbekommen' (to get out). It is also part of many compounds such as 'Kaffeefleck' (coffee stain), 'Grasfleck' (grass stain), or 'Fettfleck' (grease stain).
EXAMPLE
Wie bekomme ich diesen hartnäckigen Rotweinfleck aus dem Teppich?
How do I get this stubborn red wine stain out of the carpet?
Typical collocations
When a place is meant, 'Fleck' (spot) is often used with descriptive adjectives like 'schön' (beautiful), 'ruhig' (quiet), or 'idyllisch' (idyllic). A common phrase is also 'ein schöner Fleck Erde' (a beautiful spot on earth).
EXAMPLE
Für unser Picknick suchen wir uns einen sonnigen Fleck im Park.
For our picnic, we'll look for a sunny spot in the park.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'sich nicht vom Fleck bewegen' or 'nicht vom Fleck kommen' is reflexive. It means that you are making no progress or are literally stuck in one place.
EXAMPLE
Wegen des vielen Schnees kam das Auto nicht mehr vom Fleck.
Because of all the snow, the car couldn't move anymore.
Compare with
Fleck vs Platz
place / space
Der Platz and der Fleck can both mean a place or small area outdoors. Platz primarily emphasizes available or usable space, while Fleck characterizes the place more strongly, for example as particularly beautiful or peaceful. Platz works for a neutral reference to a place; Fleck can also be used as a descriptive term.
Fleck
Für unser Picknick suchten wir einen idyllischen Fleck am See.
We looked for an idyllic spot by the lake for our picnic.
Platz
Für unser Picknick suchten wir einen freien Platz am See.
We looked for an open spot by the lake for our picnic.
In real life
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