stake
der Pflock, die Pflöcke
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stake
A short, usually pointed post made of wood or metal that is driven into the ground or something else to secure something or mark a spot.
Wir schlugen einen Pflock in den Boden und banden das Boot daran fest.
We drove a stake into the ground and tied the boat to it.
to set parameters
To establish key positions or conditions in a matter that are intended to determine how things proceed.
Mit ihren Forderungen hat die Gewerkschaft bereits erste Pflöcke für die kommenden Verhandlungen eingeschlagen.
With its demands, the union has already set some initial parameters for the upcoming negotiations.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Pflöcke |
| genitive | des Pflocks |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Pflock | die Pflöcke |
| accusative | den Pflock | die Pflöcke |
| dative | dem Pflock | den Pflöcken |
| genitive | des Pflocks des Pflockes | der Pflöcke |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
In its literal sense, 'Pflock' (stake) usually appears with verbs such as 'einschlagen' (to drive in) or 'herausziehen' (to pull out) and refers to a physical object. In the fixed expression 'Pflöcke einschlagen' (to set parameters), the word is used figuratively and refers to key decisions or conditions.
Die Helfer zogen den alten Pflock aus dem Boden.
The helpers pulled the old stake out of the ground.
Der Minister schlug in seiner Rede klare Pflöcke in der Rentendebatte ein.
In his speech, the minister set clear parameters for the pension debate.
'Pflock' (stake) often appears with verbs such as 'einschlagen' (to drive in), 'in den Boden rammen' (to hammer into the ground), and 'herausziehen' (to pull out). A stake can also be used to tie something to or to mark a spot.
Die Wanderer schlugen einen Pflock neben dem Weg ein, um die Stelle zu markieren.
The hikers drove a stake into the ground beside the path to mark the spot.
The figurative meaning almost always occurs in the fixed expression 'Pflöcke einschlagen' (to set parameters). It is used especially in reports about negotiations, politics, or long-term plans and is more typical of public statements or written language.
Vor dem Treffen schlug die Regierung mit ihrem Entwurf bereits wichtige Pflöcke ein.
Before the meeting, the government had already set key parameters with its draft proposal.
