01
der Knüppel
club
A thick, short stick that can be used as a weapon, tool, or support.
example
Der Wanderer benutzte einen dicken Knüppel als Gehstock.
The hiker used a thick club as a walking stick.
der Knüppel
club
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Context clue
To distinguish the two meanings, pay attention to the sentence structure. If 'Knüppel' (club) stands on its own, it usually means the stick. If it is part of the expression 'jemandem Knüppel zwischen die Beine werfen' (to put obstacles in someone's way), it is the idiom.
EXAMPLE
Der Polizist trug einen Knüppel am Gürtel.
The police officer wore a club on his belt.
Sentence structure of the idiom
In the idiom 'jemandem Knüppel zwischen die Beine werfen' (to put obstacles in someone's way), the person being hindered is always in the dative. The verb 'werfen' (to throw) is conjugated normally.
EXAMPLE
Die neue Regelung wirft kleinen Betrieben nur Knüppel zwischen die Beine.
The new regulation only puts obstacles in the way of small businesses.
Register and connotation
The word 'Knüppel' (club) for a stick often has a negative or aggressive connotation. It usually refers to a thick, rough stick that can serve as a weapon.
EXAMPLE
Eine Gruppe von Schlägern war mit Knüppeln bewaffnet.
A group of thugs was armed with clubs.
Compare with
Knüppel vs Stock
stick / floor
'der Stock' and 'der Knüppel' can both mean a piece of wood that you can hold in your hand. 'der Stock' is usually long and rather thin; it can help with walking or simply be a piece of wood. 'der Knüppel' is more likely to be short, thick, and heavy. It often sounds rough and can make you think of a weapon. That is why the words are not always interchangeable. If someone is hiking or supporting themselves, you normally say 'Stock'. If the piece of wood seems heavy and suitable for hitting, 'Knüppel' fits better.
Knüppel
Neben der Hütte lag ein schwerer Knüppel aus altem Holz.
Next to the hut lay a heavy club made of old wood.
Stock
Meine Großmutter nimmt beim Spaziergang immer ihren Stock mit.
My grandmother always takes her walking stick with her when she goes for a walk.
In real life
Loading video examples...