streicheln
to stroke / pet
To move one's hand gently and affectionately over the surface of someone or something, especially an animal.
EXAMPLE
Das Kind liebt es, den Hund zu streicheln.
The child loves to pet the dog.
streicheln
to stroke / pet
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Meanings
streicheln
to caress
Used in poetic or figurative language for a gentle, light touch, for example by the wind.
EXAMPLE
Eine warme Sommerbrise streichelte ihre Haut.
A warm summer breeze caressed her skin.
sich gestreichelt fühlen
to feel flattered
To feel flattered and have one's ego boosted by a compliment or recognition.
EXAMPLE
Durch das Lob seiner Chefin fühlte er sich sichtlich gestreichelt.
Because of his boss's praise, he visibly felt flattered.
Usage tips
Word family
'Streicheln' (to stroke/pet) is a diminutive form of 'streichen' (to stroke/brush). It describes a gentler, often repeated, and more affectionate touch than the neutral 'streichen'.
EXAMPLE
Sie streichelte sanft über den Stoff des Kleides.
She gently stroked the fabric of the dress.
Sentence structure with body parts
There are two typical sentence patterns. Either you directly stroke the object (accusative), or you stroke over a body part (accusative) of a person (dative).
EXAMPLE
Er streichelt seine Katze.
He pets his cat.
Poetic register
When 'streicheln' (to caress) is used in connection with natural phenomena like wind or sun, it has a poetic or literary effect. It describes a very gentle touch.
EXAMPLE
Die Abendsonne streichelte die Berggipfel.
The evening sun caressed the mountain peaks.
Fixed expression
The reflexive construction 'sich gestreichelt fühlen' (to feel flattered) means that one feels flattered by praise or recognition. The cause is often introduced with 'durch' (through/by).
EXAMPLE
Durch das positive Feedback fühlte sie sich sichtlich gestreichelt.
Because of the positive feedback, she visibly felt flattered.
Compare with
streicheln vs streichen
to paint / to cancel
Both words can refer to a gentle, affectionate touch. Streichen emphasizes the movement of the hand over a particular area. Streicheln more clearly refers to the entire tender action and is especially used for affectionate interaction with people or animals.
streicheln
Die Mutter streichelte das müde Kind sanft, bis es einschlief.
The mother gently stroked the tired child until they fell asleep.
streichen
Die Mutter strich dem müden Kind sanft über den Rücken.
The mother gently stroked the tired child’s back.
In real life
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