der  Stift

A1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ʃtɪft/

🖋️ What does 'der Stift' mean?

The word der Stift is a masculine noun with several meanings:

• Writing utensil: This is the most common meaning. It can refer to various types of writing or drawing tools, such as a Kugelschreiber (ballpoint pen), Bleistift (pencil), Filzstift (felt-tip pen), or Buntstift (colored pencil).
  • Example: Gib mir bitte den blauen Stift. (Please give me the blue pen/pencil.)
• Pin, peg, bolt: A small, often cylindrical object used for fastening, joining, or marking.
  • Example: Der Tischler schlug einen kleinen Stift ins Holz. (The carpenter hammered a small pin into the wood.)
• Apprentice, trainee (colloquial, somewhat dated): A colloquial and somewhat outdated term for a male apprentice, especially in crafts. Today, 'Azubi' (short for Auszubildender) or 'Lehrling' are more common.
  • Example: Der Malermeister bildet drei Stifte aus. (The master painter is training three apprentices.) (⚠️ rather rare today)
• Foundation, monastery, abbey (often part of proper names): An (often ecclesiastical) institution or foundation, frequently in historical contexts or as part of place or building names.
  • Example: Das berühmte Stift Melk liegt an der Donau. (The famous Melk Abbey is located on the Danube.)

🚨 Pay attention to the context to understand the correct meaning!

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Stift

The noun 'Stift' is masculine, so the article is der. It is declined as follows:

Singular Declension

Plural Declension

📝 Example Sentences

1. Ich brauche einen neuen Stift zum Schreiben. (I need a new pen/pencil for writing.)
2. Wo ist der kleine Stift, der das Regal zusammenhält? (Where is the small pin that holds the shelf together?)
3. Früher nannte man den Lehrling oft nur „Stift“. (In the past, apprentices were often just called 'Stift'.)
4. Wir besuchten das alte Stift in den Bergen. (We visited the old abbey in the mountains.)

💡 Application and Context for Stift

The usage of der Stift strongly depends on its meaning:

• Writing utensil: This is the most common, everyday meaning. You can be more specific (Kugelschreiber, Bleistift, Filzstift), but 'Stift' is a good general term. Context: School, office, daily life.
• Pin/peg: Used more in technical or craft contexts. Other words like 'Bolzen' (bolt), 'Zapfen' (peg), 'Nagel' (nail), or 'Dübel' (dowel) are often more precise. Context: Crafts, construction, technology.
• Apprentice: This meaning is colloquial and often considered outdated or slightly derogatory today. 'Auszubildender' (Azubi) or 'Lehrling' are the neutral and standard terms. Context: Rather informal conversations, often about traditional crafts; can sound condescending. ⚠️ Use with caution!
• Foundation/abbey: Mainly used for historical or religious institutions, often as a fixed part of proper names (e.g., Stift Göttweig). 'Die Stiftung' is the more general term for a modern foundation established for a specific purpose. Context: History, religion, architecture, law (foundation law).

🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Stift'

1. For the article (der):

   Imagine a strong man (der Mann) using a pen (Stift) to draw muscles. Or: Der Stift is pointy and masculine.

2. For the meanings:

   Think of a chain: With a pointy Stift (pen), you draw a small Stift (pin), which a young Stift (apprentice) hammers into the wall of an old Stift (abbey).

🔄 Synonyms, Antonyms & Similar Words

⚠️ Similar but different words:

• Die Stiftung: Usually refers to a modern organization providing funds for a specific purpose (e.g., a charitable foundation). 'Das Stift' is more the historical/ecclesiastical institution.
• Der Stifter: The person who founds a foundation (Stiftung).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: „Fritzchen, warum ist dein Heft leer?“
(The teacher asks: "Fritzchen, why is your notebook empty?")

Fritzchen: „Mein Stift ist auch leer!“
(Fritzchen: "My pen is empty too!")

📜 Poem about the Stift

Der Stift, ein treuer Begleiter, (The pen/pencil, a loyal companion,)
Mal spitz, mal breit, mal heiter. (Sometimes sharp, sometimes broad, sometimes cheerful.)
Bringt Worte auf Papier geschwind, (Brings words to paper quickly,)
Erzählt Geschichten, leicht wie Wind. (Tells stories, light as the wind.)

Ein kleiner Bolzen, fest und klar, (A small pin, firm and clear,)
Hält Dinge zusammen, Jahr für Jahr. (Holds things together, year after year.)
Ein junger Mensch, der lernen will, (A young person who wants to learn,)
Ein Kloster alt, ganz ruhig, still. (An old abbey, very quiet, still.)

Vier Bilder malt das eine Wort, (Four pictures paints this one word,)
An diesem und an jenem Ort. (In this place and in that.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich habe eine Mine, doch grabe nicht nach Gold.
(I have a mine, but don't dig for gold.)
Ich hinterlasse Spuren, mal schwarz, mal bunt, mal hold.
(I leave traces, sometimes black, sometimes colorful, sometimes lovely.)
Man hält mich in der Hand, beim Schreiben oder Malen.
(You hold me in your hand, when writing or drawing.)
Was bin ich? (What am I?)

(Solution: der Stift / a pen or pencil)

📌 Other Information

• Etymology: The word 'Stift' comes from Old High German 'stift', meaning 'sting', 'point', 'nail', or 'stylus'. The root lies in Proto-Indo-European (s)teig- meaning 'to pierce' or 'pointed'.
• Compound words (Wortzusammensetzungen): There are many compound words with 'Stift' that specify the meaning: Bleistift (pencil), Buntstift (colored pencil), Filzstift (felt-tip pen), Kugelschreiberstift (ballpoint pen refill/mine), Lippenstift (lipstick), Kajalstift (kohl pencil), Stifthalter (pen holder), Stiftzahn (post crown/dental post), Stiftdose (pen case).
• Idiom (Redewendung): „Den Stift machen“ is colloquial German for „to disappear“, „to make off“, „to skedaddle“.