01
der Stecher
stabber
A person who injures or kills another person with a stabbing weapon.
example
Die Polizei konnte den Stecher kurz nach der Tat festnehmen.
The police were able to arrest the stabber shortly after the crime.
der Stecher
stabber / biter / engraver
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 04
Usage tips
Word family
All meanings of 'der Stecher' derive from the verb 'stechen' (to stab, sting, or prick). The suffix '-er' forms a noun that can refer to a person (perpetrator, artist), an animal (insect), or a tool (part of a weapon) that performs the action of stabbing, stinging, or pricking.
EXAMPLE
Eine Wespe ist ein Insekt, das stechen kann.
A wasp is an insect that can sting.
Context clue
You can almost always recognize the meaning of 'Stecher' from the context. If it is about crime, it refers to the perpetrator. In nature, it means insects; in art, an engraver; and in shooting, a part of the weapon.
EXAMPLE
Der Jäger nutzte den Stecher für einen präzisen Schuss.
The hunter used the set trigger for a precise shot.
Typical collocations
In connection with a crime, 'der Stecher' is often used with verbs such as 'suchen' (to look for), 'identifizieren' (to identify), 'fassen' (to catch), or 'festnehmen' (to arrest).
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei hofft, den Stecher bald identifizieren zu können.
The police hope to be able to identify the stabber soon.
Register
The term 'Stecher' for a mosquito or another stinging insect is colloquial. It is often used when someone is annoyed.
EXAMPLE
Mach das Fenster zu, sonst kommen die ganzen Stecher rein!
Close the window, otherwise all those biters will come in!
Technical language
In the meaning of a trigger mechanism, 'der Stecher' is a technical term from the language of hunters and sport shooters. Outside this context, you will hardly ever hear this meaning.
EXAMPLE
Er erklärte mir die Funktion des Stechers an seinem Jagdgewehr.
He explained the function of the set trigger on his hunting rifle to me.
Compare with
Stecher vs Abzug
deduction / trigger / withdrawal
'der Abzug' and 'der Stecher' can both refer to parts or functions of a firearm. 'der Abzug' is the normal mechanism you operate to fire a shot. 'der Stecher' is a special trigger mechanism that makes the trigger especially light and precise. The words can be confused because 'Stecher' in this sense also has to do with the trigger. In general, however, you say 'Abzug'. 'Stecher' only fits for this particular technical device.
Stecher
Bei diesem alten Gewehr ist der Stecher sehr empfindlich eingestellt.
On this old rifle, the set trigger is adjusted to be very sensitive.
Abzug
Der Sportschütze legt den Finger vorsichtig an den Abzug.
The sport shooter carefully places his finger on the trigger.
In real life
Loading video examples...