das  Stichwort

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃtɪçˌvɔʁt/

🎯 What Exactly is a Stichwort?

Das Stichwort (neuter, article 'das') refers to a word or short phrase that serves as an identifier, memory aid, or search term. It often summarizes the core of a matter or provides a crucial cue.

• Keyword/Search Term: A word used to find information in an index, database, or search engine (e.g., in a Google search).
• Password/Watchword: A (often secret) word for identification (this meaning is somewhat dated; 'Passwort' is more common today).
• Cue/Note: A brief note or single word serving as a memory aid (e.g., for a presentation). In this sense, the plural is often Stichworte.
• Cue (Theatre): The word or phrase after which an actor delivers their line or performs an action.
• Lemma/Headword (Lexicon): The main word of an entry in a dictionary or encyclopedia.

It's a very useful word for focusing on the essentials!

📊 Grammar in Detail: Das Stichwort

The noun „Stichwort“ is neuter (sächlich). Its genitive case is formed with -(e)s, and the plural is formed with -e ('Stichworte') or -er ('Stichwörter'). Both plural forms are common, although „Stichwörter“ is more frequently used for the meaning 'keyword/search term', and „Stichworte“ tends to be used for 'notes' or 'cues'. However, this distinction is not a strict rule.

💡 Examples

1. Gib bitte „Urlaub“ als Stichwort in die Suche ein.
   Please enter 'Urlaub' (vacation) as the keyword in the search.
2. Er machte sich nur ein paar Stichworte für seine Rede.
   He only made a few notes/cues for his speech.
3. Der Schauspieler verpasste sein Stichwort.
   The actor missed his cue.
4. Unter dem Stichwort „Globalisierung“ findest du viele Artikel.
   Under the headword/entry 'Globalisierung' (globalization), you'll find many articles.

How to Use „Stichwort“? 🤔

„Stichwort“ is used in various contexts:

• Information Retrieval: Central to research in libraries, databases, and the internet. You search unter einem Stichwort (under a keyword).
• Notes & Presentations: As a memory aid, often in list form (Stichpunkte or Stichworte - bullet points or brief notes).
• Discussions & Conversations: To introduce or pick up a topic: „Stichwort Klimawandel – was meinst du dazu?“ (Keyword climate change – what do you think about it?).
• Theatre & Film: As a signal for the next actor or technical action (a cue).
• Lexicography: As the main term of a dictionary or encyclopedia entry (headword/lemma).

It's important to choose precise Stichwörter (keywords) to find relevant information or effectively recall content. In conversation, it often serves as an elegant transition.

🧠 Memory Aids for Stichwort

Article Mnemonic: Think of 'das Wort' (the word). A 'Stichwort' is just a specific type of Wort, so it's das Stichwort. Remember 'Word' itself is neuter in German.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine a Stich (stab, prick, stitch) with a Wort (word) that precisely 'hits the mark' or 'points' to something important – like a key (keyword) or a cue.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Words

⚠️ Be careful: Stichprobe sounds similar but means 'random sample', something completely different.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: „Wer kann mir ein Beispiel für ein wichtiges Stichwort nennen?“
Meldet sich Fritzchen: „Au!“

Teacher asks: "Who can give me an example of an important keyword/cue?"
Little Fritz raises his hand: "Ouch!" (Playing on 'Stich' meaning 'prick' or 'sting', implying pain is a strong cue).

📜 Stichwort Poetry

Ein Wort, ganz kurz, ein spitzer Stich,
bringt Ordnung ins System für dich.
Im Buch, im Netz, auf der Notiz,
das Stichwort sitzt, hat Witz und Spitz'.
Es öffnet Türen, zeigt den Pfad,
ein kleiner Schlüssel, früh und spat.

A word, so short, a pointed prick,
Brings order to the system, quick.
In book, on web, upon the note,
The Stichwort sits, has wit and POKE.
It opens doors, reveals the way,
A little key, for night and day.

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich bin kurz, doch sag oft viel,
bin im Lexikon ein wichtig Ziel.
Bei der Suche bin ich Star,
und im Theater ruf ich: „Klar! Jetzt bist du dran!“

Was bin ich?

I am short, but often say a lot,
In the encyclopedia, I'm an important spot.
In searches, I'm the star,
And in the theatre, I shout: "Right! Now it's your part!"

What am I?
(Solution: das Stichwort)

💡 More about Stichwort

Word Composition:

The word „Stichwort“ is a compound noun, formed from:

• Stich (from 'stechen' - to prick, stab, sting, stitch): Originally perhaps referring to a mark 'pricked' or entered somewhere, or a word that 'stings' or stands out like a cue.
• Wort: The basic unit of language ('word').

Interesting Note: The plural form Stichwörter is more commonly used in the context of search engines and databases (keywords), while Stichworte is more common for notes or theatrical cues. However, this distinction isn't strictly maintained.