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A1 noun #2,500 le plus courant 7 min de lecture

der Stift

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces der Stift en 30 secondes
Explication der Stift in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'der Stift' is simply 'the pen' or 'the pencil'. It is one of the first 100 nouns you should learn. You use it to talk about school supplies or office items. You should focus on the basic sentence: 'Das ist ein Stift' (That is a pen) and 'Ich habe einen Stift' (I have a pen). You don't need to worry about the technical meanings yet. Just remember it is masculine (der) and the plural is 'die Stifte'. It is a 'must-know' word for your first German exam, as you will likely need to ask for one or identify one in a picture. Practice saying 'Haben Sie einen Stift?' when you need to fill out a form at the doctor's office or the bank. This simple phrase will make you feel much more confident in everyday German situations.
At the A2 level, you start to expand your vocabulary with compound nouns. You should learn 'der Bleistift' (pencil) and 'der Farbstift' (colored pencil). You also begin to use the word in the dative case, for example, 'Ich schreibe mit einem Stift'. You might also encounter 'der Lippenstift' (lipstick) in the context of shopping or personal care. You should be able to describe what you are doing with the Stift: 'Ich zeichne mit dem Bleistift' or 'Ich korrigiere den Text mit einem roten Stift'. Understanding that 'Stift' is the base for many other words helps you guess the meaning of new words you see in stores. You are also expected to use the plural correctly in various cases: 'Die Farben der Stifte sind schön' (The colors of the pens are beautiful).
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At the B1 level, you should be aware that 'Stift' can refer to more than just writing tools. You might see it in DIY (Do-it-yourself) instructions or simple technical manuals referring to a small metal or wooden pin. You should also be familiar with the colloquial use of 'Stift' for an apprentice, especially if you are working in a German-speaking environment. You might hear a colleague say, 'Frag mal den Stift, ob er Kaffee holen kann' (Ask the apprentice if he can get coffee). While you might not use this yourself, understanding it is key to following office or workshop banter. You also start using more specific terms like 'Filzstift' or 'Textmarker' instead of just the general 'Stift'. Your grammar should be solid enough to handle 'Stift' in complex sentences with relative clauses: 'Der Stift, den ich gestern gekauft habe, schreibt nicht mehr.'
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At the B2 level, you explore the idiomatic and more formal uses. You might encounter the verb 'stiften' (to donate/found) and see the connection to 'Stift' in words like 'das Stift' (neuter!), which refers to a religious foundation or monastery (e.g., das Damenstift). Note the gender change here! 'Der Stift' (masculine) is the tool, but 'Das Stift' (neuter) is the institution. This is a classic B2-level distinction. You also learn idioms like 'den Stift fallen lassen' (to stop working immediately at the end of the shift). In professional contexts, you use 'Stift' accurately in technical descriptions, such as 'Zylinderstift' (straight pin) in mechanical engineering. Your vocabulary is now nuanced enough to choose between 'Stift', 'Schreibgerät', and 'Utensil' depending on the formality of the situation.
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At the C1 level, you understand the historical and etymological nuances. You know that 'Stift' comes from the idea of something 'standing' or 'fixed' (related to 'stehen' and 'fest'). You can use the word in metaphorical senses or in highly specialized fields. For example, in medicine, a 'Stift' might refer to a dental post (Zahnstift). You are also comfortable with the nuances of regional dialects where 'Stift' might have slightly different connotations. You can discuss the evolution of the word from the Latin 'stilus' and how it diverged in German. Your usage is flawless across all four cases and you can use the word in sophisticated wordplay or literary contexts. You might read older literature where 'Stift' is used exclusively for apprentices and understand the social hierarchy it implied in the 19th century.
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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of the word's entire semantic field. You can distinguish between 'der Stift' (the tool/apprentice) and 'das Stift' (the ecclesiastical foundation) without hesitation. You are familiar with obscure technical terms like 'Passstift' or 'Spreizstift' and can use them in expert discussions. You understand the subtle irony when a master craftsman calls a highly qualified trainee a 'Stift'. You can analyze the use of 'Stift' in German proverbs or historical texts. You might even know about the 'Stiftshütte' (Tabernacle) in biblical contexts. Your ability to use the word spans from the most basic everyday request to the most complex technical or theological discourse, always choosing the correct gender, plural, and register.
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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

der Stift en 30 secondes

  • Der Stift is the generic German word for any writing tool, including pens and pencils.
  • It is a masculine noun (der Stift) with the plural form 'die Stifte'.
  • Beyond writing, it can mean a technical pin, peg, or an apprentice in a trade.
  • Common compounds include Bleistift (pencil) and Kugelschreiber (ballpoint pen).

The German noun der Stift is a fascinatingly versatile word that every beginner (A1) encounters almost immediately. At its core, it serves as a generic umbrella term for any writing or drawing instrument. Whether you are holding a pencil, a ballpoint pen, or a felt-tip marker, you can colloquially refer to it as 'der Stift'. This makes it one of the most practical words in the German language for students, office workers, and artists alike. However, the simplicity of the word belies a deeper complexity in technical and historical contexts.

Generic Writing Tool
In everyday conversation, if you ask someone for a 'Stift', they will likely hand you whatever they have available to write with. It is the most common way to refer to a writing utensil when the specific type (ink vs. lead) is not important.
Technical Pin or Peg
In engineering and carpentry, a 'Stift' refers to a small, cylindrical piece of metal or wood used to fasten parts together. Think of a dowel, a rivet, or a locating pin.
The Apprentice (Colloquial/Dated)
Historically, and still occasionally in trade circles, an apprentice (Auszubildender) is jokingly or traditionally called a 'Stift'. This usage is becoming rarer but is still understood in many regions.

"Hast du mal einen Stift für mich? Ich muss mir das kurz aufschreiben."

— Common classroom request

When we look at the etymology, the word stems from the Old High German 'stift', which originally meant something pointed or a prick. This explains why it applies to both writing tools (which have points) and technical pins. In modern German, you will find it as a suffix in many compound nouns, such as Bleistift (pencil), Kugelschreiber (ballpoint pen), or Lippenstift (lipstick). Understanding 'der Stift' is the key to unlocking dozens of other related words.

"Der Ingenieur setzt einen Stift ein, um die zwei Metallplatten zu fixieren."

Visual Characteristics
Usually thin, long, and cylindrical. It must have a functional tip that either deposits material (ink/lead) or serves as a mechanical anchor.

"Der kleine Stift im ersten Lehrjahr lernt heute, wie man die Werkstatt fegt."

Using der Stift correctly involves understanding its grammatical behavior and its role in compound nouns. As a masculine noun, it follows the standard declension patterns for the 'der' group. In the nominative, it is 'der Stift'; in the accusative, 'den Stift'; in the dative, 'dem Stift'; and in the genitive, 'des Stiftes'.

Accusative Usage (Direct Object)
Most often, you are 'using' or 'having' a pen. 'Ich habe den Stift.' Note the change from 'der' to 'den'.
Dative Usage (Location/Indirect Object)
'Ich schreibe mit dem Stift.' (I am writing with the pen). The preposition 'mit' always triggers the dative case.

"Kannst du mir den Stift geben?"

One of the most powerful aspects of 'Stift' is its role in Komposita (compound words). German loves building specific words from general ones. If you want to be more precise than just saying 'Stift', you add a prefix:

  • Bleistift: Blei (lead) + Stift = Pencil.
  • Buntstift: Bunt (colorful) + Stift = Colored pencil.
  • Filzstift: Filz (felt) + Stift = Felt-tip pen/marker.
  • Tintenstift: Tinte (ink) + Stift = Ink pen.
  • Lippenstift: Lippen (lips) + Stift = Lipstick.

"Mein Buntstift ist abgebrochen, ich brauche einen Anspitzer."

In a professional or technical setting, 'Stift' might appear in verbs like stiften (to donate or to cause), though the connection is more abstract. However, the physical 'Stift' (the peg) is used in mechanical descriptions: 'Der Stift arretiert das Zahnrad' (The pin locks the gear).

You will encounter the word der Stift in a variety of environments, ranging from the mundane to the highly specialized. Its frequency in daily life makes it an essential part of your active vocabulary.

In the Classroom (Schule)
Teachers will constantly tell students to pick up their pens. 'Holt eure Stifte raus!' is a classic phrase heard in every German schoolroom.
At the Office (Büro)
Searching for a pen is a universal office struggle. 'Hat jemand einen funktionierenden Stift?' (Does anyone have a working pen?) is a standard question during meetings.
In the Workshop (Werkstatt)
Here, you might hear it in its technical sense. A master craftsman might ask an apprentice to 'reich mir mal den Passstift' (hand me the dowel pin).

"An der Kasse: 'Unterschreiben Sie bitte hier. Hier ist ein Stift.'"

You will also hear it in retail contexts. In a drugstore (Drogerie), you'll find 'Augenbrauenstifte' (eyebrow pencils) or 'Abdeckstifte' (concealer sticks). The shape of the product—long and thin—dictates the use of the word 'Stift'.

"Ich habe überall gesucht, aber ich finde keinen schreibenden Stift im ganzen Haus!"

While der Stift is a simple word, learners often trip over its gender, its plural form, and its specific versus general usage.

Mistake 1: Wrong Gender
Many learners assume tools are feminine or neuter. They might say 'das Stift' or 'die Stift'. Remember: It is always der Stift. Think of the 'Stift' as a masculine 'staff' or 'stick'.
Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Steift'
There is no word 'Steift'. Learners sometimes confuse the spelling with the adjective 'steif' (stiff). While a pen is stiff, the noun is 'Stift' with a short 'i'.
Mistake 3: Over-generalizing
While 'Stift' is a great general term, in formal writing or specific instructions, you should use the exact word. If you need a fountain pen for calligraphy, don't just ask for a 'Stift'; ask for a 'Füller'.

"Falsch: Ich brauche die Stift. Richtig: Ich brauche den Stift."

Another mistake is confusing 'Stift' with 'Stiftung' (foundation/charity). While they share a root (stiften), a 'Stift' is an object, while a 'Stiftung' is an organization. You cannot write with a 'Stiftung'!

To truly master German, you need to know when to use der Stift and when to reach for a more specific synonym. Here is a breakdown of related writing instruments.

Der Kugelschreiber (Kuli)
The ballpoint pen. This is the most common type of 'Stift' in modern life. 'Kuli' is the universal short form.
Der Bleistift
The pencil. Literally a 'lead-pen'. Essential for drawing and erasable notes.
Der Füller (Füllfederhalter)
The fountain pen. In German schools, children are still taught to write with a 'Füller' to improve their handwriting.
Der Marker / Textmarker
The highlighter. Used for marking important text.

"Ein Kuli ist praktischer als ein Füller, aber ein Bleistift lässt sich radieren."

When talking about the 'apprentice' meaning, synonyms include der Azubi (short for Auszubildender) or der Lehrling. 'Stift' is the most informal and slightly old-fashioned of these terms.

How Formal Is It?

Guide de prononciation

Rime avec
Gift Lift Schrift

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Masculine Noun Declension

Compound Noun Formation

Prepositions with Dative (mit)

Accusative Objects

Plural Noun Endings (-e)

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Exemples par niveau

1

Ich habe einen Stift.

I have a pen.

Accusative: 'einen Stift' (masculine).

2

Ist das dein Stift?

Is that your pen?

Nominative: 'dein Stift'.

3

Der Stift ist rot.

The pen is red.

Subject: 'Der Stift'.

4

Wo ist der Stift?

Where is the pen?

Question with 'wo'.

5

Ich brauche einen Stift.

I need a pen.

Verb 'brauchen' takes accusative.

6

Das ist ein Bleistift.

That is a pencil.

Compound: Blei + Stift.

7

Gib mir bitte den Stift.

Please give me the pen.

Imperative + Accusative.

8

Meine Stifte sind in der Tasche.

My pens are in the bag.

Plural: 'die Stifte'.

1

Ich schreibe mit einem schwarzen Stift.

I am writing with a black pen.

Dative after 'mit'.

2

Kaufst du mir diese Stifte?

Will you buy me these pens?

Plural accusative.

3

Der Lippenstift ist sehr teuer.

The lipstick is very expensive.

Compound: Lippen + Stift.

4

Ich habe keinen Stift dabei.

I don't have a pen with me.

Negation 'keinen' in accusative.

5

Malst du mit dem Buntstift?

Are you drawing with the colored pencil?

Dative: 'mit dem Buntstift'.

6

Die Stifte liegen auf dem Tisch.

The pens are lying on the table.

Position with 'auf' + dative.

7

Kannst du den Stift anspitzen?

Can you sharpen the pencil?

Verb 'anspitzen' (to sharpen).

8

Er schenkt ihr einen schönen Stift.

He gives her a beautiful pen.

Dative indirect object (ihr) + Accusative direct object (einen Stift).

1

Der Mechaniker nutzt einen kleinen Stift zur Fixierung.

The mechanic uses a small pin for fixing.

Technical usage of 'Stift'.

2

Unser neuer Stift lernt sehr schnell.

Our new apprentice learns very quickly.

Colloquial for apprentice.

3

Ich habe den Text mit einem Textmarker markiert.

I highlighted the text with a highlighter.

Specific compound 'Textmarker'.

4

Ohne einen Stift kann ich die Notiz nicht machen.

Without a pen, I cannot make the note.

Accusative after 'ohne'.

5

Die Stifte in dieser Packung sind wasserfest.

The pens in this pack are waterproof.

Adjective 'wasserfest'.

6

Er hat den Stift verloren, den ich ihm geliehen habe.

He lost the pen that I lent him.

Relative clause.

7

Nimm einen Stift und schreib dir das auf!

Take a pen and write that down!

Imperative.

8

Welchen Stift soll ich benutzen?

Which pen should I use?

Interrogative 'welchen'.

1

In der Werkstatt arbeiten drei Gesellen und ein Stift.

In the workshop, three journeymen and one apprentice are working.

Professional context.

2

Der Zylinderstift muss genau in die Bohrung passen.

The straight pin must fit exactly into the hole.

Technical compound 'Zylinderstift'.

3

Pünktlich um 17 Uhr ließ er den Stift fallen.

At exactly 5 PM, he dropped the pen (stopped working).

Idiom: 'den Stift fallen lassen'.

4

Das Kloster wurde als Stift für adlige Damen gegründet.

The monastery was founded as an endowment for noble ladies.

Note: 'das Stift' (neuter) meaning foundation.

5

Die Qualität des Stiftes ist entscheidend für die Zeichnung.

The quality of the pen is decisive for the drawing.

Genitive: 'des Stiftes'.

6

Er hat die Stiftung mit einem großzügigen Stift unterstützt.

He supported the foundation with a generous donation (rare/pun).

Abstract usage.

7

Der Abdeckstift kaschiert Unreinheiten der Haut.

The concealer stick hides skin blemishes.

Cosmetic compound.

8

Bitte verwenden Sie einen dokumentenechten Stift.

Please use an indelible/document-proof pen.

Adjective 'dokumentenecht'.

1

Die etymologische Herkunft des Wortes Stift weist auf eine Spitze hin.

The etymological origin of the word 'Stift' points to a tip.

Academic register.

2

Der Zahnarzt setzte einen Stift ein, um die Krone zu halten.

The dentist inserted a post to hold the crown.

Medical/Dental usage.

3

In den alten Zunftregeln war die Rolle des Stiftes klar definiert.

In the old guild rules, the role of the apprentice was clearly defined.

Historical context.

4

Das Damenstift war ein Zentrum der Gelehrsamkeit.

The convent (Damenstift) was a center of scholarship.

Neuter noun 'das Stift'.

5

Die Arretierung erfolgt durch einen federbelasteten Stift.

The locking is achieved by a spring-loaded pin.

Engineering terminology.

6

Er ist ein wahrer Meister mit dem Stift.

He is a true master with the pen/pencil.

Metaphorical 'mastery'.

7

Die feinen Stifte der Uhr müssen regelmäßig geölt werden.

The fine pins of the watch must be oiled regularly.

Horology context.

8

Trotz seiner Erfahrung wird er im Betrieb immer noch als 'Stift' verspottet.

Despite his experience, he is still mocked as an 'apprentice' in the company.

Social nuance.

1

Die semantische Ambivalenz zwischen dem Schreibgerät und der kirchlichen Institution 'Stift' ist bemerkenswert.

The semantic ambivalence between the writing tool and the ecclesiastical institution 'Stift' is remarkable.

Linguistic analysis.

2

In der Architekturzeichnung kommt es auf die präzise Strichstärke des Stiftes an.

In architectural drawing, the precise line thickness of the pen is what matters.

Technical precision.

3

Die Stiftskirche überragt mit ihrem Turm die gesamte Altstadt.

The collegiate church towers over the entire old town with its spire.

Compound with 'Stift' (neuter root).

4

Der Autor nutzt den Stift als schärfste Waffe gegen die Zensur.

The author uses the pen as the sharpest weapon against censorship.

Literary metaphor.

5

Die mechanische Beanspruchung führt zur Scherung des Stiftes.

The mechanical stress leads to the shearing of the pin.

Physics/Engineering.

6

Es bedarf einer Stiftung, um das historische Stift zu erhalten.

A foundation is needed to preserve the historical monastery.

Using 'Stiftung' and 'Stift' in one sentence.

7

Die filigrane Ausarbeitung der Stifte zeugt von höchster Handwerkskunst.

The filigree crafting of the pins testifies to the highest craftsmanship.

Artistic critique.

8

Er skizzierte die Vision mit flüchtigem Stift auf eine Serviette.

He sketched the vision with a fleeting pen on a napkin.

Poetic expression.

Collocations courantes

einen Stift halten
einen Stift anspitzen
mit dem Stift schreiben
den Stift ansetzen
ein bunter Stift
der spitze Stift
einen Stift suchen
den Stift weglegen
Stift und Papier
ein schreibender Stift

Phrases Courantes

Hast du einen Stift?
Gib mir mal den Stift.
Der Stift schreibt nicht.
Ich brauche einen neuen Stift.
Wo sind meine Stifte?
Den Stift fallen lassen.
Mit spitzem Stift rechnen.
Ein Stift im ersten Lehrjahr.
Lippenstift auftragen.
Den Stift zücken.

Souvent confondu avec

der Stift vs Stiftung (Foundation)

der Stift vs Steif (Stiff - Adjective)

der Stift vs Stiefel (Boot)

Expressions idiomatiques

"Den Stift fallen lassen (to stop work immediately)"
"Mit spitzem Stift rechnen (to calculate very precisely/frugally)"
"Den Stift zücken (to be ready to write/sign)"
"Etwas mit dem Stift korrigieren (to be critical)"
"Ein kleiner Stift sein (to be a low-ranking apprentice)"
"Den Stift anspitzen (to prepare for a task)"
"In den Stift gehen (to start an apprenticeship - regional/dated)"
"Den Stift führen (to be the one writing/authoring)"
"Den Stift wegwerfen (to give up on a piece of writing)"
"Stift und Zettel (the basic tools for a quick note)"

Facile à confondre

der Stift vs

der Stift vs

der Stift vs

Structures de phrases

Famille de mots

Noms

Stiftung
Bleistift
Buntstift
Lippenstift
Stiftshütte

Verbes

stiften
anstiften
beistiften

Adjectifs

stiftisch
stiftengehend
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Comment l'utiliser

social

Use 'Azubi' instead of 'Stift' to be more polite to apprentices.

general

Use for any writing tool.

technical

Use for pins/pegs.

Erreurs courantes

Astuces

Gender Memory

Associate 'der Stift' with 'der Mann' (the man) who writes. It is always masculine.

Compound Power

Learn 'Stift' and you've learned half of 20 other words like Bleistift and Buntstift.

School Context

In a German school, always have a 'Füller' and a 'Bleistift' ready; don't just bring one 'Stift'.

Casual Requests

Say 'Hast du mal 'nen Stift?' to sound like a native speaker in casual settings.

Capitalization

Never forget to capitalize 'Stift'. In German, all nouns are capitalized.

Workshop Tip

If you are in a workshop, 'Stift' usually means a metal pin. Look for metal, not ink!

Apprentice Respect

While 'Stift' is a common term for apprentices, using 'Azubi' is more professional.

Drugstore Finds

Many makeup items end in '-stift'. It helps you identify what is a stick/pencil format.

Short 'i'

The 'i' in Stift is short, like in 'fish'. Don't stretch it like 'steef'.

A1 Exam

Be ready to identify a 'Stift' in the listening or picture part of your A1 exam.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine a STIFF STICK used to write: STIFT.

Origine du mot

Old High German 'stift'

Contexte culturel

The term 'Stift' for apprentice is informal and sometimes seen as slightly derogatory by youth.

Fountain pens are mandatory in many German elementary schools.

German engineering relies on 'Stifte' (pins) for high-precision machinery.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Kann ich mir kurz deinen Stift leihen?"

"Welche Art von Stift bevorzugst du zum Zeichnen?"

"Mein Stift ist leer, hast du Ersatz?"

"Wo kann man hier gute Stifte kaufen?"

"Ist das ein Bleistift oder ein Tintenroller?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beschreibe deinen Lieblingsstift.

Was hast du heute mit einem Stift geschrieben?

Warum ist ein Stift wichtiger als eine Tastatur?

Erinnere dich an deinen ersten Füller in der Schule.

Welche Farbe hat der Stift, den du am meisten benutzt?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, it is a general term for any pen or pencil. You can use it for ballpoints, markers, and pencils alike.

The plural is 'die Stifte'. In the dative case, it becomes 'den Stiften'.

Yes, but only informally for an apprentice. Be careful as it can sound slightly condescending in modern times.

Yes, it is always masculine when referring to a pen or an apprentice. 'Das Stift' is neuter and means a monastery.

Lipstick is 'der Lippenstift'. It follows the same gender as 'Stift'.

A 'Kuli' is a common abbreviation for 'Kugelschreiber' (ballpoint pen), which is a type of 'Stift'.

Sometimes in technical contexts, it refers to a small headless nail or pin, but 'Nagel' is more common for standard nails.

It is a tradition in schools to help children develop better motor skills and neater handwriting.

Yes, it is standard German and used in all German-speaking countries.

It means to stop working the very second your shift ends, showing no extra commitment.

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