pen / pin / apprentice
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pen
A general term for a long, narrow device used for writing or drawing, such as a ballpoint pen, pencil, or felt-tip pen.
Hast du einen Stift für mich? Ich muss mir etwas notieren.
Do you have a pen for me? I need to write something down.
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Stift' (pen/pin/apprentice) from the surroundings. If it is about writing or drawing, it means a writing instrument. In connection with furniture or technology, it is a pin or bolt. If people are talking about training, it means an apprentice.
Gib mir bitte einen Stift, ich muss das aufschreiben.
Please give me a pen; I need to write that down.
When 'Stift' (pen) means a writing instrument, it is often used with verbs and phrases such as 'sich einen Stift leihen' (to borrow a pen), 'einen Stift zur Hand haben' (to have a pen at hand), or 'mit einem Stift unterschreiben' (to sign with a pen).
Haben Sie einen Stift für mich? Ich muss dieses Formular unterschreiben.
Do you have a pen for me? I need to sign this form.
In the technical meaning, 'Stift' (pin/bolt) is often used with verbs of fastening and connecting. Typical formulations are 'etwas mit einem Stift sichern' (to secure something with a pin) or 'einen Stift einsetzen' (to insert a pin).
Der Monteur setzte einen kleinen Metallstift ein, um das Rad zu fixieren.
The technician inserted a small metal pin to fix the wheel in place.
The term 'Stift' (apprentice) for a trainee is colloquial and is used less often today. You are most likely to hear it in connection with traditional skilled trades.
Mein Opa hat als junger Mann als Stift in einer Schreinerei gearbeitet.
My grandpa worked as an apprentice in a joinery when he was a young man.
tongue
'Zunge' and 'Stift' can both mean a small metal part that fits into something or holds something in place. On a buckle, for example on a belt, the movable metal part is called the 'Zunge' (tongue). 'Stift' is more general and means a small pin or elongated part that connects, fastens, or positions something. The words can be confused because the tongue of a buckle looks like a small pin. For buckles, however, 'Zunge' is more precise; for technical parts, 'Stift' is more natural.
Zu Hause fehlt ein kleiner Stift, der das Regalbrett halten soll.
At home, a small pin that is supposed to hold the shelf board is missing.
Die Zunge der Gürtelschnalle passt nicht mehr richtig in das Loch.
The tongue of the belt buckle no longer fits properly into the hole.