push / stack / collision
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push / jolt
A short, forceful movement in which someone or something is pushed. It can also refer to an impact or a shock.
Er bekam einen Stoß von hinten und fiel die Treppe hinunter.
He got a push from behind and fell down the stairs.
stack / pile
A stack of things placed on top of one another, especially paper, files, or books.
Auf seinem Schreibtisch lag ein hoher Stoß ungelesener Briefe.
There was a tall stack of unread letters on his desk.
collision
In physics, the brief interaction between two or more bodies during which momentum and energy are exchanged.
Die Physiker untersuchten den unelastischen Stoß zweier Kugeln.
The physicists studied the inelastic collision of two spheres.
The noun 'der Stoß' (push, jolt) is derived directly from the strong verb 'stoßen' (to push, bump). It describes the action or result of pushing or bumping.
Pass auf, dass du dich nicht am Tisch stößt!
Be careful not to bump into the table!
The meanings are easy to distinguish from context. A 'Stoß' (push, jolt) as a movement (meaning 1) happens between people or objects. A 'Stoß' (stack, pile) as a stack (meaning 2) almost always refers to paper, files, or books.
Er gab mir einen leichten Stoß, um meine Aufmerksamkeit zu bekommen.
He gave me a slight push to get my attention.
For the movement, the verbs 'geben' (to give) and 'bekommen' (to get) are often used. You can say 'jemandem einen Stoß geben' (to give someone a push) or 'einen Stoß bekommen' (to get a push).
Im vollen Bus habe ich aus Versehen einen Stoß bekommen.
On the crowded bus, I accidentally got pushed.
When 'Stoß' (stack, pile) means a stack, it is often specified what it consists of. This is usually done with the genitive or with 'von' (of): 'ein Stoß Papiere' (a stack of papers) or 'ein Stoß von Büchern' (a stack of books).
Auf dem Boden lag ein großer Stoß alter Zeitungen.
There was a large stack of old newspapers on the floor.
The meaning 'Kollision' (collision) is a technical term from physics. In normal everyday life, 'Stoß' is not used in this sense.
Im Physikunterricht haben wir den elastischen Stoß berechnet.
In physics class, we calculated the elastic collision.
blow / stroke
Both Schlag and Stoß can refer to a short, forceful action affecting a body or object. Schlag emphasizes a striking motion, while Stoß emphasizes pushing or pressing forward. Use Schlag for a blow and Stoß for a pushing impulse.
Mit beiden Händen gab er der Tür einen kräftigen Stoß.
He gave the door a forceful push with both hands.
Mit der flachen Hand gab er der Tür einen kräftigen Schlag.
He gave the door a forceful blow with the flat of his hand.
