die Streicheleinheit
caress
A gentle, loving touch in which a person strokes another person or an animal.
EXAMPLE
Die Katze genoss jede Streicheleinheit auf ihrem Rücken.
The cat enjoyed every caress along its back.
die Streicheleinheit
caress / emotional boost
die Streicheleinheit, die Streicheleinheiten
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
die Streicheleinheit
emotional boost
Friendly attention, praise, or recognition that makes someone feel emotionally good. This meaning is often used figuratively in the expression „Streicheleinheit für die Seele“ (a balm for the soul).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem stressigen Arbeitstag war das Gespräch mit meiner Freundin eine echte Streicheleinheit für die Seele.
After a stressful day at work, talking to my friend was a real balm for the soul.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Streicheleinheit, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Streicheleinheiten |
| genitive | der Streicheleinheit |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Streicheleinheit | die Streicheleinheiten |
| accusative | die Streicheleinheit | die Streicheleinheiten |
| dative | der Streicheleinheit | den Streicheleinheiten |
| genitive | der Streicheleinheit | der Streicheleinheiten |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
„Streichel-“ (stroking) belongs to the verb „streicheln“ (to stroke) and is combined with „Einheit“ (unit). Here, „Einheit“ does not refer to a fixed amount or duration, so you do not have to count either touches or minutes.
EXAMPLE
Für ein paar Streicheleinheiten mit dem Hund bleibt morgens immer Zeit.
There is always time in the morning for a few caresses with the dog.
Typical collocations
Common combinations include „Streicheleinheiten genießen“ (to enjoy caresses), „Streicheleinheiten brauchen“ (to need caresses), and „sich Streicheleinheiten abholen“ (to come and get some caresses). The last expression is often used for animals that come to a person on their own to be stroked.
EXAMPLE
Unser Kater kommt jeden Abend aufs Sofa und holt sich seine Streicheleinheiten ab.
Our tomcat comes onto the sofa every evening to get his caresses.
Context clues
Expressions such as „verbale Streicheleinheiten“ (verbal encouragement) or „Streicheleinheiten für das Ego“ (an ego boost) indicate the figurative meaning. Pay attention to words related to language and recognition, such as „Kompliment“ (compliment) or „Lob“ (praise).
EXAMPLE
Die vielen Komplimente nach seinem Vortrag waren Streicheleinheiten für sein Ego.
The many compliments after his presentation were an ego boost for him.
In real life
Loading video examples...