stamp
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stamp
A device, usually made of wood or plastic with a rubber surface, used to print ink onto a surface in order to add a mark, date, or symbol.
Der Beamte nahm den Stempel und drückte ihn kräftig auf das Dokument.
The official took the stamp and pressed it firmly onto the document.
stamp
The imprint or mark made with a stamping device.
Für die offizielle Genehmigung fehlt nur noch der Stempel der Behörde.
For the official approval, only the authority's stamp is still missing.
label / stigma
In a figurative sense, a characterizing, often negative attribution or prejudice that sticks to a person or thing.
Er bekam schnell den Stempel des Unruhestifters aufgedrückt, obwohl er nur einmal einen Fehler gemacht hatte.
He was quickly given the label of troublemaker, even though he had only made one mistake.
Careful: 'der Stempel' (stamp) is not a postage stamp. A postage stamp is called 'die Briefmarke' in German. 'Der Stempel' is the device used for stamping (rubber stamp) or the imprint made with it.
Ich brauche noch eine Briefmarke für diesen Brief nach Italien.
I still need a postage stamp for this letter to Italy.
Whether the device (meaning 1) or the imprint (meaning 2) is meant is often revealed by the verb. If you 'use' a Stempel or 'take it in your hand', it is the device. If a Stempel 'is' on a document, 'is missing', or you 'get' one, it is the imprint.
Bitte nehmen Sie den Stempel und markieren Sie die Akte.
Please take the stamp and mark the file.
In the figurative meaning, 'Stempel' (label/stigma) is often used in fixed expressions. Common ones are 'jemandem einen Stempel aufdrücken' (to put a label on someone) or 'einen Stempel bekommen' (to be given a label).
Man hat ihr den Stempel einer Lügnerin aufgedrückt.
They labeled her a liar.
brand / mark / stamp
In the postal context, Marke and Stempel can both appear on a letter, but they refer to different things. The Marke is stuck on and pays for the postage; the Stempel is the imprint that leaves a mark or date on the letter. Use Marke for the postage stamp and Stempel for the imprint.
Auf dem Brief ist der Stempel mit dem Datum von gestern zu sehen.
The letter bears a stamp dated yesterday.
Ich klebe noch eine Marke auf den Brief, bevor ich ihn einwerfe.
I still need to stick a stamp on the letter before I drop it in the mailbox.
