to ram / drive in
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to ram
To crash into something with great force and speed, often in order to damage it or break through it. This is typically done by vehicles, ships, or large objects.
Das gestohlene Auto rammte eine Polizeisperre und kam zum Stehen.
The stolen car rammed a police roadblock and came to a stop.
The verb 'rammen' (to ram / drive in) always requires a direct object in the accusative. This object is the thing or person that is hit with force.
Das Schiff rammte den Eisberg mit voller Wucht.
The ship rammed the iceberg with full force.
The two meanings can be recognized well from the object. If it is a vehicle, a door, or a barrier, it refers to a collision. If it is a stake or pillar, it refers to driving it into the ground.
Ein betrunkener Fahrer rammte ein geparktes Auto.
A drunk driver rammed a parked car.
In the context of collisions, 'rammen' (to ram) is often used with objects that serve as obstacles. Typical collocations are 'ein Tor rammen' (to ram a gate), 'eine Wand rammen' (to ram a wall), or 'eine Absperrung rammen' (to ram a barrier).
Die Einbrecher rammten mit ihrem Wagen das Eingangstor.
The burglars rammed the entrance gate with their car.
In this meaning, 'rammen' (to drive in) is almost always combined with an indication of direction. The most common construction is 'etwas in den Boden rammen' or 'etwas in die Erde rammen' (to drive something into the ground).
Die Bauarbeiter mussten die Pfähle zehn Meter tief in den Boden rammen.
The construction workers had to drive the piles ten meters deep into the ground.
to push / bump / come across
'stoßen' and 'rammen' can both mean that something hits something else with force. 'stoßen' is more general and can also be a short movement with the hand, the body, or an object. 'rammen' is stronger and suggests great force, often with vehicles, ships, or heavy things. With 'rammen', people often think of damage or a serious accident. If the movement is only brief or not very strong, 'stoßen' fits better. If something drives hard and at speed into an obstacle, 'rammen' is more precise.
Der Fahrer rammt mit seinem Auto den Zaun vor dem Haus.
The driver rams the fence in front of the house with his car.
Im Bus stößt mich jemand leicht mit dem Rucksack an.
On the bus, someone lightly bumps into me with their backpack.