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verbverb

besticken

embroider

Man benutzt eine Nadel und bunten Faden, um Bilder oder Muster fest auf Stoff zu nähen.

Definition & meaning

The verb "besticken" means to embroider. It specifically refers to the act of decorating a piece of fabric, clothing, or another material by stitching patterns, designs, or letters onto its surface using a needle and thread. While the related verb sticken refers to the general craft of embroidery, "besticken" focuses on the object being adorned. For example, one would "besticken" a handkerchief with initials or "besticken" a traditional dress with floral patterns.

Grammar & Word origin

"Besticken" is a regular (weak) verb. Its forms are:

  • Present: ich besticke, du bestickst, er/sie/es bestickt
  • Preterite: ich bestickte
  • Perfect: hat bestickt

The word is a combination of the inseparable prefix be-, which often indicates that an action is applied to an object or covers a surface, and the base verb sticken. The root is etymologically related to the word stechen (to prick or sting), describing the motion of the needle piercing the fabric.

Synonyms & antonyms

  • Synonyms: verzieren (to decorate), verschönern (to embellish/beautify), aussticken (to fill with embroidery), bearbeiten (to work on/process).

  • Antonyms: auftrennen (to unpick/rip out stitches), beschädigen (to damage), abreißen (to tear off).

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Examples

Meine Mutter bestickt das blaue Kissen.verb

My mother embroiders the blue pillow.

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