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stumpf
blunt / dull
Not sharp; without a functioning cutting edge or point. The opposite of 'scharf' (sharp).
example
Mit diesem stumpfen Messer kann man keine Tomaten schneiden.
You can't cut tomatoes with this dull knife.
stumpf
blunt / dull
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'stumpf' (blunt/dull) belongs to a word family. The verb 'abstumpfen' means to become blunt or numb (e.g., a knife or a feeling). The noun 'der Stumpf' refers to the remaining part of something, e.g., 'ein Baumstumpf' (a tree stump).
EXAMPLE
Nach vielen Stunden monotoner Arbeit stumpft man emotional ab.
After many hours of monotonous work, you become emotionally numb.
Context clues
The meaning of 'stumpf' (blunt/dull) is easy to recognize from context. With tools like knives, it means 'nicht scharf' (not sharp). With feelings or reactions, it means 'teilnahmslos' (apathetic). With colors or surfaces, it means 'matt' (matte).
EXAMPLE
Diese Schere ist zu stumpf, um Papier zu schneiden.
These scissors are too dull to cut paper.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'nicht scharf' (not sharp), 'stumpf' (blunt/dull) is typically combined with objects that have a cutting edge or a point. Common examples are: 'eine stumpfe Klinge' (a dull blade), 'ein stumpfes Messer' (a dull knife), or 'eine stumpfe Nadel' (a blunt needle).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe mich mit der stumpfen Kante des Papiers geschnitten.
I cut myself on the dull edge of the paper.
Meaning for people
When a person is described as 'stumpf' (numb/apathetic), it means they are emotionally insensitive or apathetic, not that they are stupid. It describes a lack of feeling, not a lack of intelligence.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Schock fühlte sie sich innerlich leer und stumpf.
After the shock, she felt empty and numb inside.
Technical language
The meanings of 'stumpf' (obtuse/blunt) in geometry ('stumpfer Winkel' = obtuse angle) and in medicine ('stumpfes Trauma' = blunt trauma) are technical terms. They are rarely used in everyday language.
EXAMPLE
Ein Winkel über 90 Grad wird als stumpfer Winkel bezeichnet.
An angle over 90 degrees is called an obtuse angle.
Compare with
stumpf vs offen
open
'offen' and 'stumpf' are opposites in a medical context when talking about injuries. An 'offene Wunde' (open wound) is visibly open, for example when the skin is injured. A 'stumpfe Verletzung' (blunt injury) is caused by an impact or blow without an open wound developing. This contrast is especially relevant in contexts such as accidents, doctor's visits, or first aid.
stumpf
Die Ärztin stellte eine stumpfe Verletzung am Arm fest.
The doctor diagnosed a blunt injury to the arm.
offen
Nach dem Sturz hatte Paul eine offene Wunde am Knie.
After the fall, Paul had an open wound on his knee.
In real life
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