Stock em 30 segundos
- Stock refers to a floor or story in a building.
- It is a masculine noun: der Stock.
- In Germany, floor numbering starts above the ground floor (Erdgeschoss).
- Common synonyms include Etage and Stockwerk.
The German word Stock (masculine, plural: Stöcke or Stockwerke) primarily refers to a floor or story of a building. In the context of architecture and daily life, it describes the horizontal levels that make up a structure above the ground level. Understanding 'Stock' is fundamental for navigating German cities, reading addresses, and describing living situations. It is important to note that in Germany, the numbering of floors starts differently than in some other cultures, such as the United States. The ground floor is called the Erdgeschoss, and the 'first floor' (erster Stock) is actually the level above that.
- Grammatical Gender
- Der Stock (Masculine)
- Plural Forms
- Stöcke (general/sticks) or Stockwerke (specific to building levels)
- CEFR Level
- A2 - Essential for basic communication about housing and directions.
Ich wohne im dritten Stock eines Altbaus ohne Aufzug.
Beyond the physical structure, 'Stock' carries a sense of elevation. When you are 'im Stock', you are physically positioned at a specific height within a building's hierarchy. This word is ubiquitous in real estate listings, where '1. Stock' or '2. OG' (Obergeschoss) are standard notations. Interestingly, while 'Stock' is the most common colloquial term, 'Stockwerk' is more formal and technically precise. In many contexts, you will also encounter 'Etage', a loanword from French that functions as a direct synonym but often carries a slightly more sophisticated or commercial connotation.
Das Büro befindet sich im fünften Stock, direkt neben dem Aufzug.
The word's origin relates to a 'stick' or 'trunk' (Stamm), suggesting the structural supports of early timber-framed houses. This historical connection highlights how language evolves from physical objects to abstract spatial concepts. In modern usage, 'Stock' is rarely used in the plural 'Stöcke' when referring to floors; instead, speakers prefer 'Stockwerke' or simply use the singular form in a collective sense, such as 'ein Haus mit fünf Stock'. However, in standard Duden German, 'Stockwerke' is the preferred plural for clarity.
Wie viele Stockwerke hat dieser Wolkenkratzer?
- Synonym: Etage
- Often used in hotels or department stores (e.g., 'Damenmode in der 2. Etage').
- Synonym: Geschoss
- A technical term used in architecture and building law (e.g., 'Vollgeschoss').
Die Wohnung im obersten Stock bietet eine herrliche Aussicht über die Stadt.
Using 'Stock' correctly involves mastering ordinal numbers and the preposition 'in'. Because 'Stock' is masculine, the prepositional phrase 'in the... floor' becomes 'im' (in + dem). Ordinal numbers like ersten, zweiten, dritten must take the correct adjective ending (-en) in this dative construction. For example, 'im ersten Stock'. This is a common stumbling block for A2 learners who might forget the 'n' at the end of the ordinal number.
- Ordinal Numbers
- 1. = ersten, 2. = zweiten, 3. = dritten, 4. = vierten, 5. = fünften...
- Prepositional Use
- Wo? -> Im (Dativ). Wohin? -> In den (Akkusativ).
Wir müssen in den vierten Stock hochlaufen, weil der Aufzug kaputt ist.
When describing a building's total height, you use 'Stock' or 'Stockwerke' with a cardinal number. 'Das Haus hat drei Stockwerke.' Interestingly, in Southern Germany and Austria, you might hear 'der 1. Stock' referred to as 'die erste Stiege' in specific contexts, though 'Stock' remains the standard. If you are looking for an apartment, you will see abbreviations like '3. OG' (3. Obergeschoss), which is synonymous with '3. Stock'. The ground floor is 'EG' (Erdgeschoss) and the basement is 'UG' (Untergeschoss) or 'Keller'.
Another nuance is the use of 'Stock' vs. 'Stockwerk'. While often interchangeable, 'Stock' is more common in spoken language ('Ich wohne im 2. Stock'), whereas 'Stockwerk' appears more in descriptive or technical writing ('Das Gebäude umfasst zehn Stockwerke'). If you want to sound more elegant, especially in a retail or hotel environment, 'Etage' is a great alternative: 'Die Konferenzräume befinden sich in der ersten Etage'. Note that 'Etage' is feminine (die Etage), so it becomes 'in der ersten Etage'.
Jedes Stockwerk ist mit modernen Brandschutzmeldern ausgestattet.
You will encounter 'Stock' most frequently in urban environments. Elevators (Aufzüge) are the primary place where you see and hear this word. Voice announcements in modern elevators often say, 'Erster Stock' or 'Zweite Etage'. In department stores like Kaufhof or Karstadt, signs will direct you: 'Herrenbekleidung im 1. Stock'. When visiting friends in a German city, they will likely give you their address followed by the floor: 'Hauptstraße 12, 3. Stock links' (3rd floor, left door).
Entschuldigung, in welchem Stock ist die Spielzeugabteilung?
Real estate agents (Makler) use the term constantly. When viewing a 'Wohnungsanzeige' (apartment ad), the floor is a critical piece of information because it affects the price and the amount of light the apartment receives. A 'Dachgeschosswohnung' (attic apartment) is in the 'obersten Stock'. Conversely, a 'Souterrainwohnung' is below the 'Erdgeschoss'. In professional settings, 'Stock' is used to describe office locations: 'Unsere Kanzlei befindet sich im zehnten Stock des Hochhauses'.
In literature and news, 'Stock' might be used metaphorically, though less commonly than in English. However, in the context of history, you might hear about 'Stockwerkbau', referring to the layered construction of medieval half-timbered houses. In everyday conversation, it's the standard word for 'floor'—simple, direct, and essential.
The most frequent mistake for English speakers is the floor numbering system. In the US/UK, the ground floor is often called the 1st floor. In Germany, the Erdgeschoss (EG) is level 0. Therefore, the German '1. Stock' is actually the level you reach after climbing one flight of stairs. If you tell a German friend you live on the 'ersten Stock' but you actually live on the ground floor, they will be confused when they can't find your name on the doorbells upstairs.
Falsch: Ich wohne im eins Stock.
Richtig: Ich wohne im ersten Stock.
Another common error is the confusion between 'Stock' (floor) and 'Stock' (stick/cane). While they are the same word and gender, their plurals can differ in usage. 'Stöcke' is the plural for sticks, while 'Stockwerke' is the preferred plural for floors. Using 'Stöcke' to mean floors is technically possible but sounds very colloquial or slightly 'off' in many regions. Furthermore, learners often forget that 'Stock' is masculine. They might say 'in der Stock' (mixing it up with 'die Etage') instead of 'im Stock'.
Finally, avoid using 'Stock' when you mean 'level' in a video game or a metaphorical sense of 'stage'. In those cases, 'Level' or 'Stufe' is usually more appropriate. 'Stock' is strictly architectural.
To expand your vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words related to 'Stock'. The most direct synonym is Etage. This word is feminine (die Etage) and is used interchangeably with 'Stock', though it sounds slightly more formal. Another synonym is Stockwerk, which is neuter (das Stockwerk). While 'Stock' is the most common in speech, 'Stockwerk' is the standard term in written descriptions of buildings.
- Geschoss
- A technical term (das Geschoss). You'll see 'Obergeschoss' (OG) and 'Untergeschoss' (UG) in elevators.
- Ebene
- Means 'level' or 'plane'. Used in parking garages (Parkebene 1) or abstract contexts.
- Plattform
- Used for literal platforms or digital levels, not building floors.
Das Museum erstreckt sich über drei Etagen.
There is also Dachgeschoss (attic floor) and Erdgeschoss (ground floor). If a building has a mezzanine, it might be called a Zwischengeschoss. Understanding these variations helps you navigate more complex architectural environments. In a house, you might also refer to the Dachboden (attic), which is the space under the roof, whereas the 'Dachgeschoss' is the actual floor level designed for living or storage.
How Formal Is It?
Guia de pronúncia
Nível de dificuldade
Gramática essencial
Ordinal numbers (erst-, zweit-, dritt-)
Adjective endings after 'im'
Two-way prepositions (in + dat/acc)
Compound nouns with 'Stock-'
Exemplos por nível
Ich wohne im ersten Stock.
I live on the first floor.
Uses 'im' (in dem) + dative ordinal number.
Wo ist der zweite Stock?
Where is the second floor?
Subject case (Nominative).
Das ist ein Haus mit einem Stock.
That is a house with one floor.
Dative after 'mit'.
Der Aufzug fährt in den dritten Stock.
The elevator goes to the third floor.
Accusative 'in den' showing movement.
Mein Zimmer ist im vierten Stock.
My room is on the fourth floor.
Dative location.
Es gibt keinen Aufzug zum fünften Stock.
There is no elevator to the fifth floor.
Dative after 'zu'.
Wir wohnen ganz oben, im sechsten Stock.
We live at the very top, on the sixth floor.
Apposition 'ganz oben'.
Ist das der erste Stock?
Is that the first floor?
Simple question.
Gehen Sie bitte in den zweiten Stock.
Please go to the second floor.
Imperative with movement.
Die Toiletten sind im Erdgeschoss, nicht im ersten Stock.
The toilets are on the ground floor, not the first floor.
Contrast between EG and 1. Stock.
In welchem Stock arbeitest du?
On which floor do you work?
Interrogative 'welchem' in dative.
Die Bäckerei ist im Erdgeschoss dieses Hauses.
The bakery is on the ground floor of this house.
Genitive 'dieses Hauses'.
Das Gebäude hat insgesamt acht Stockwerke.
The building has a total of eight floors.
Plural 'Stockwerke'.
Ich trage die Koffer in den dritten Stock.
I am carrying the suitcases to the third floor.
Accusative movement.
Sie finden die Schuhe in der zweiten Etage.
You will find the shoes on the second floor.
Synonym 'Etage' (feminine).
Die Wohnung liegt im obersten Stock.
The apartment is on the top floor.
Superlative adjective 'obersten'.
Wegen des defekten Aufzugs musste ich in den zehnten Stock laufen.
Because of the broken elevator, I had to walk to the tenth floor.
Genitive preposition 'wegen'.
Die Miete im fünften Stock ist meistens günstiger als im Erdgeschoss.
The rent on the fifth floor is usually cheaper than on the ground floor.
Comparison.
Das Büro erstreckt sich über das gesamte zweite Stockwerk.
The office extends over the entire second floor.
Preposition 'über' with accusative.
Im ersten Stock befinden sich die Schlafräume.
The bedrooms are located on the first floor.
Passive-like 'befinden sich'.
Haben Sie eine Wohnung im unteren Stockwerk frei?
Do you have an apartment available on a lower floor?
Adjective 'unteren'.
Der Ausblick vom zwölften Stock ist atemberaubend.
The view from the twelfth floor is breathtaking.
Preposition 'von' + dative.
Das Parkhaus hat fünf Stockwerke unter der Erde.
The parking garage has five floors underground.
Contextual 'unter der Erde'.
Wir haben die Möbel mühsam in den vierten Stock geschleppt.
We laboriously hauled the furniture to the fourth floor.
Perfect tense with movement.
Die Brandschutzbestimmungen gelten für jedes Stockwerk gleichermaßen.
The fire protection regulations apply equally to every floor.
Indefinite pronoun 'jedes'.
Das Gebäude wurde um zwei weitere Stockwerke aufgestockt.
The building was expanded by two additional floors.
Verb 'aufstocken' derived from Stock.
In den oberen Stockwerken ist es deutlich windiger.
It is significantly windier on the upper floors.
Plural dative 'Stockwerken'.
Die Galerie nutzt den ersten Stock für temporäre Ausstellungen.
The gallery uses the first floor for temporary exhibitions.
Accusative object.
Trotz der vielen Stockwerke wirkt das Gebäude nicht erdrückend.
Despite the many floors, the building does not seem overwhelming.
Preposition 'trotz' + genitive.
Die Raumaufteilung im dritten Stock ist sehr großzügig.
The room layout on the third floor is very spacious.
Compound noun 'Raumaufteilung'.
Jedes Stockwerk verfügt über einen eigenen Notausgang.
Every floor has its own emergency exit.
Verb 'verfügen über'.
Der Lift hält in jedem Stock, außer im Keller.
The lift stops on every floor, except in the basement.
Preposition 'außer' + dative.
Die hierarchische Gliederung des Unternehmens spiegelt sich in der Verteilung der Büros über die Stockwerke wider.
The hierarchical structure of the company is reflected in the distribution of offices across the floors.
Complex sentence with separable verb 'widerspiegeln'.
Das historische Gebäude besticht durch seine aufwendig verzierten Stockwerkgesimse.
The historic building impresses with its elaborately decorated floor cornices.
Technical architectural term.
Die Evakuierung der oberen Stockwerke verlief planmäßig.
The evacuation of the upper floors proceeded according to plan.
Genitive plural.
In den unteren Stockwerken dominiert der Lärm der belebten Einkaufsstraße.
In the lower floors, the noise of the busy shopping street dominates.
Subject-verb agreement.
Die statische Belastung muss für jedes Stockwerk einzeln berechnet werden.
The static load must be calculated individually for each floor.
Passive voice with modal verb.
Das Penthouse nimmt das gesamte oberste Stockwerk ein.
The penthouse occupies the entire top floor.
Separable verb 'einnehmen'.
Durch die Aufstockung des Gebäudes entstanden neue Büroflächen im siebten Stock.
By adding floors to the building, new office spaces were created on the seventh floor.
Nominalization 'Aufstockung'.
Die vertikale Erschließung der Stockwerke erfolgt über ein zentrales Treppenhaus.
The vertical access to the floors is provided via a central staircase.
Technical term 'Erschließung'.
Die architektonische Rhythmisierung der Fassade wird durch die horizontalen Bänder der einzelnen Stockwerke betont.
The architectural rhythm of the facade is emphasized by the horizontal bands of the individual floors.
High-level vocabulary.
In seinem Roman fungieren die verschiedenen Stockwerke des Hauses als Metaphern für die Bewusstseinsebenen des Protagonisten.
In his novel, the various floors of the house function as metaphors for the protagonist's levels of consciousness.
Literary analysis context.
Die statischen Herausforderungen bei der Errichtung so vieler Stockwerke auf instabilem Grund sind enorm.
The static challenges of erecting so many floors on unstable ground are enormous.
Complex noun phrases.
Jedes Stockwerk des Palastes zeugt vom immensen Reichtum der einstigen Herrscher.
Every floor of the palace bears witness to the immense wealth of the former rulers.
Verb 'zeugen von'.
Die Transformation des Dachgeschosses in ein bewohnbares Stockwerk erforderte umfangreiche Genehmigungsverfahren.
The transformation of the attic into a livable floor required extensive permit procedures.
Complex nominal style.
Das Gebäude scheint mit jedem Stockwerk, das man emporsteigt, an Schwere zu verlieren.
The building seems to lose weight with every floor one ascends.
Relative clause and metaphorical language.
Die schiere Anzahl der Stockwerke lässt den Betrachter vor der Größe des Bauwerks erschaudern.
The sheer number of floors makes the viewer shudder at the size of the structure.
Causative 'lassen'.
Die Rekonstruktion der historischen Stockwerkshöhen war für die Denkmalpfleger eine Priorität.
The reconstruction of the historical floor heights was a priority for the heritage conservationists.
Compound noun with 's' connector.
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
Frequentemente confundido com
Expressões idiomáticas
Fácil de confundir
Padrões de frases
Como usar
In Austria, 'Stock' is very common, but 'Etage' is also used frequently in cities.
Architects use 'Geschoss' to refer to structural levels.
-
You must use ordinal numbers with adjective endings.
-
'Stöcke' usually refers to sticks; 'Stockwerke' is for floors.
-
Movement requires the accusative case 'den'.
-
'Geschoss' is neuter, so it's 'das Erdgeschoss'.
-
'Etage' and 'Stock' are synonyms; you don't put an 'Etage' inside a 'Stock'.
Dicas
Ordinal Endings
Remember the 'n' in 'im ersten Stock'. It's a common mistake to leave it out.
Floor Zero
Think of the ground floor as 'Floor Zero'. The next one up is 'Floor One'.
Abbreviations
Learn EG (Erdgeschoss), OG (Obergeschoss), and UG (Untergeschoss) for elevators.
Short Form
In casual speech, people often just say 'Ich wohne im Dritten' (leaving out 'Stock').
Price Factor
Higher floors often cost more if there's an elevator, but less if there isn't!
Emergency
In case of fire, know your 'Stockwerk' to tell the fire department.
Counting
Count the flights of stairs you climb. One flight = 1. Stock.
Numbers
In German, ordinal numbers always have a period: 1., 2., 3.
Elevator Voice
Listen to the voice in public elevators to hear perfect pronunciation.
Business
In big offices, the floor number is often part of the room number (e.g., Room 405 is on the 4th floor).
Memorize
Origem da palavra
Middle High German 'stoc', from Old High German 'stoc' (trunk, stick, post).
Contexto cultural
Germany uses 0 for ground floor, 1 for the first floor up.
EG = Erdgeschoss, 1, 2, 3... UG = Untergeschoss.
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
Iniciadores de conversa
"In welchem Stock wohnst du?"
"Hat dein Haus einen Aufzug?"
"Wie viele Stockwerke hat dein Bürogebäude?"
"Magst du es, im obersten Stock zu wohnen?"
"Ist die Wohnung im ersten Stock noch frei?"
Temas para diário
Beschreibe dein Haus und die verschiedenen Stockwerke.
Was sind die Vorteile, im Erdgeschoss zu wohnen?
Stell dir vor, du wohnst im 50. Stock eines Wolkenkratzers. Wie ist die Aussicht?
Warum ist der Aufzug in alten Häusern oft wichtig?
Welches Stockwerk ist dein Favorit und warum?
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasDas Wort 'Stock' ist männlich, also 'der Stock'. Im Dativ heißt es 'im Stock'.
Es gibt kaum einen Unterschied in der Bedeutung. 'Etage' klingt etwas formeller oder eleganter.
Das sagt man 'Erdgeschoss'. Es wird oft mit 'EG' abgekürzt.
Das bedeutet 'erstes Obergeschoss' und ist dasselbe wie 'erster Stock'.
Wenn man Stockwerke meint, sagt man meistens 'Stockwerke'. 'Stöcke' meint meistens Wanderstöcke.
Nein, in Deutschland ist der erste Stock die Ebene über dem Erdgeschoss.
Ja, das ist absolut korrekt und etwas formeller als 'im ersten Stock'.
Das ist die oberste Etage direkt unter dem Dach eines Hauses.
Man fragt: 'In welchem Stock ist das?' oder 'In welchem Stockwerk wohnen Sie?'
Ja, es gehört zum Grundwortschatz und wird normalerweise auf dem Niveau A2 gelernt.
Teste-se 180 perguntas
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Mastering 'Stock' requires understanding the German floor numbering system (where the 1st floor is the level above the ground) and using the correct dative endings with ordinal numbers in phrases like 'im ersten Stock'.
- Stock refers to a floor or story in a building.
- It is a masculine noun: der Stock.
- In Germany, floor numbering starts above the ground floor (Erdgeschoss).
- Common synonyms include Etage and Stockwerk.
Ordinal Endings
Remember the 'n' in 'im ersten Stock'. It's a common mistake to leave it out.
Floor Zero
Think of the ground floor as 'Floor Zero'. The next one up is 'Floor One'.
Abbreviations
Learn EG (Erdgeschoss), OG (Obergeschoss), and UG (Untergeschoss) for elevators.
Short Form
In casual speech, people often just say 'Ich wohne im Dritten' (leaving out 'Stock').
Exemplo
Unsere Wohnung ist im dritten Stock.
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