stachelig
spiky
Having spikes or hard, pointed parts that can prick when touched.
EXAMPLE
Die stachelige Hülle der Kastanie ist aufgeplatzt.
The spiky shell of the chestnut has split open.
stachelig
spiky / prickly
stachelig – stacheliger – am stacheligsten
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Meanings
stachelig
prickly
Distant and easily irritated when dealing with others; ready to respond with sharp words.
EXAMPLE
Seit unserem Streit reagiert sie auf jede freundliche Frage stachelig.
Since our argument, she has been prickly in response to every friendly question.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry stachelig, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | stachelig |
|---|---|
| comparative | stacheliger |
| superlative | am stacheligsten |
After der, die, das
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to stachelig.
After ein, eine
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to stachelig.
Without article
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to stachelig.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Stachelig' (spiky / prickly) consists of 'Stachel' (spike / thorn) and the ending '-ig'. The ending forms an adjective and describes something characterized by spikes or a spike-like quality.
EXAMPLE
Der stachelige Kaktus steht am Fenster.
The spiky cactus is standing by the window.
Sein stacheliger Bart kratzte an meiner Wange.
His prickly beard scratched my cheek.
Typical collocations
In its physical meaning, 'stachelig' (spiky) often occurs with words such as 'Haut' (skin), 'Schale' (shell), 'Hülle' (outer covering), or 'Pflanze' (plant). These combinations describe a surface or outer structure with pointed parts.
EXAMPLE
Die stachelige Schale der Frucht schützt ihr Inneres.
The fruit's spiky shell protects its inside.
Am Weg wuchs eine stachelige Pflanze.
A spiky plant was growing by the path.
Context clue
When 'stachelig' (prickly) refers to a person, reaction, or remark, it usually has its figurative meaning. Verbs such as 'reagieren' (to react), 'antworten' (to answer), or 'klingen' (to sound) often point to this interpersonal use.
EXAMPLE
Auf die kritische Frage antwortete er ungewöhnlich stachelig.
He gave an unusually prickly answer to the critical question.
Ihre stachelige Reaktion überraschte das ganze Team.
Her prickly reaction surprised the entire team.
Typical usage
In its figurative meaning, 'stachelig' (prickly) often describes reactions, answers, or remarks that can quickly hurt or repel others. The adjective often appears directly before a noun.
EXAMPLE
Seine stachelige Bemerkung beendete das Gespräch sofort.
His prickly remark ended the conversation immediately.
In real life
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