01
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
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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 Mal
time / mark
'das Mal' and 'der Fleck' can both describe a visible spot on a surface or on the skin. 'das Mal' especially means a natural mark on the skin, for example a birthmark or mole. 'der Fleck' is more general and is often a discolored or dirty spot, for example on clothing, a table, or also on fur and skin. They can be confused because both look like a small spot. If the spot is a natural part of the body, 'Mal' often fits. If it comes from dirt, paint, or discoloration, 'Fleck' is more natural.
Fleck
In der Küche entfernt Maria den Fleck vom Tisch, bevor die Gäste kommen.
In the kitchen, Maria removes the stain from the table before the guests arrive.
Mal
David hat ein kleines Mal am Hals, das schon seit seiner Kindheit da ist.
David has a small mark on his neck that has been there since childhood.
In real life
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