01
der Pen
pen injector
A small, pen-like device for administering medication, especially insulin.
example
Diabetiker benutzen oft einen Pen, um sich Insulin zu spritzen.
Diabetics often use a pen injector to inject themselves with insulin.
der Pen
pen
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Meanings
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Usage tips
English loanword
'Pen' is a word from English. In German, however, it normally does not refer to an ordinary writing instrument with ink, but to a special pen-shaped device for technical or medical purposes.
EXAMPLE
Für mein neues Grafiktablett brauche ich einen speziellen Pen.
I need a special stylus for my new graphics tablet.
Meaning in context
You can tell what kind of 'Pen' it is from the context. Words like 'Insulin' (insulin) or 'spritzen' (to inject) point to a medical device, while 'Tablet' (tablet) or 'zeichnen' (to draw) refer to a stylus.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt zeigte ihr die richtige Anwendung des neuen Pens.
The doctor showed her how to use the new pen injector correctly.
Outdated meaning
The use of 'Pen' for a USB flash drive is becoming outdated today. In modern colloquial speech, the terms 'USB-Stick' (USB flash drive) or simply 'Stick' (flash drive) are much more common.
EXAMPLE
Hast du die Dokumente auf einem Stick gespeichert?
Did you save the documents on a flash drive?
Typical collocations
In a medical context, 'Pen' is often combined with the medication it contains. The most common compound is 'Insulin-Pen' (insulin pen).
EXAMPLE
Moderne Insulin-Pens sind sehr einfach zu bedienen.
Modern insulin pens are very easy to use.
Compare with
Pen vs Stift
pen / pin / apprentice
'der Stift' and 'der Pen' can both look like a long, narrow device that you write or draw with. 'Stift' is the normal German word for writing and drawing instruments on paper. 'Pen' is used more for special devices, especially a stylus for a tablet or graphics tablet. It can also occur in other specialist fields, for example with medication. Learners may confuse the words because in English, 'pen' means a normal writing instrument. In German, you usually say 'Stift' for paper; in technology, 'Pen' is possible and often more precise.
Pen
Im Grafikdesign-Kurs zeichnet Lena mit einem Pen auf dem Tablet.
In the graphic design course, Lena draws on the tablet with a stylus.
Stift
Kannst du mir einen Stift geben, damit ich die Adresse notiere?
Can you give me a pen so I can write down the address?
In real life
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