noun

der Stab, ¨-e

rod · stick

Ein langer, fester und meist dünner Gegenstand aus Holz, Metall oder Kunststoff.

Definition & meaning

A long, thin, rigid object, typically made of wood, metal, or plastic, used for support, as a tool, or as a symbol of authority (e.g., a walking stick, a baton, or a scepter).
A collective term for a group of people who assist a leader or executive in planning and administration (e.g., a military staff or an office staff).

Grammar & Word origin

The word is a masculine noun (der Stab). The plural form is die Stäbe.

Etymologically, it originates from the Old High German stab, which referred to a staff or rod. Historically, it carried connotations of support, measurement, and authority, which explains the transition from the physical object to the organizational meaning (as in "staff of office").

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

For the physical object:
- Die Stange (rod/bar)
- Der Stock (stick/cane)
- Der Riegel (bolt/bar)
For the organizational group:
- Die Belegschaft (workforce/staff)
- Das Kollegium (college/faculty)
- Der Ausschuss (committee)

Antonyms:

There are no direct antonyms for the physical object, as it describes a specific shape.
For the organizational meaning, one could contrast it with an individual, independent actor:
- Der Einzelgänger (loner)