01
das Steinchen
small stone
A very small stone; the diminutive form of 'Stein' (stone).
example
Das Kind warf ein Steinchen ins Wasser und beobachtete die Ringe.
The child threw a small stone into the water and watched the ripples.
das Steinchen
small stone / little gem
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure: diminutive
'Steinchen' (small stone/little gem) is the diminutive form of 'der Stein' (stone). The ending '-chen' makes the word neuter ('das') and expresses that something is small.
EXAMPLE
Mein kleiner Sohn sammelt am Strand bunte Steinchen.
My little son collects colorful small stones on the beach.
Context clue
Context tells you whether a small stone or a decorative gemstone is meant. In connection with nature, paths, or shoes, it means an ordinary stone. In the context of jewelry, rings, or dresses, it means a small gemstone.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe ein lästiges Steinchen im Wanderschuh.
I have an annoying small stone in my hiking boot.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'small stone', the word often appears in fixed phrases, for example 'ein Steinchen ins Wasser werfen' (to throw a small stone into the water) or 'ein Steinchen im Schuh haben' (to have a small stone in one's shoe).
EXAMPLE
Er saß am Seeufer und warf gedankenverloren Steinchen ins Wasser.
He sat on the lakeshore and absentmindedly threw small stones into the water.
Compare with
Steinchen vs Stein
stone
'der Stein' and 'das Steinchen' both refer to a solid piece of rock. 'Steinchen' is the diminutive form and means a very small stone. It can also sound affectionate or more precise when something really is small. In addition, 'Steinchen' can mean a small decorative stone or gem in jewelry. Learners may confuse the words because they belong to the same word family. For normal-sized or larger pieces, you say 'Stein'; for very small pieces or small decorative stones, 'Steinchen' fits better.
Steinchen
Im Bus findet Emma ein kleines Steinchen in ihrem Schuh.
On the bus, Emma finds a small stone in her shoe.
Stein
Auf dem Weg liegt ein großer Stein, über den fast jemand stolpert.
There is a large stone on the path that someone almost trips over.
In real life
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