A linguistic or rhetorical design element that is used deliberately in texts or speeches to achieve a particular effect. Examples include metaphors, similes, or alliterations.
example
Die Metapher ist ein häufig verwendetes Stilmittel in der Lyrik.
Metaphor is a frequently used stylistic device in poetry.
Usage tips
Compound structure
'Stilmittel' is a compound noun made up of 'Stil' (style) and 'Mittel' (means/tool). It therefore literally means a 'means' or 'tool' for creating a particular linguistic 'style'.
EXAMPLE
In der Werbung werden gezielt Stilmittel eingesetzt, um Emotionen zu wecken.
In advertising, stylistic devices are used deliberately to evoke emotions.
Typical collocations
Common verbs used with 'Stilmittel' (stylistic device) are 'einsetzen' (to use/employ), 'verwenden' (to use), 'analysieren' (to analyze), and 'erkennen' (to recognize/identify).
EXAMPLE
In der Gedichtanalyse müssen wir die verwendeten Stilmittel erkennen und deuten.
In the poetry analysis, we have to identify and interpret the stylistic devices used.
Register and context
This word is a technical term from literary studies, rhetoric, and German class. It is used when talking about the linguistic design of texts.
EXAMPLE
Der Autor nutzt die Wiederholung als zentrales Stilmittel.
The author uses repetition as a central stylistic device.