der Stachel, -n
sting · stinger
Ein sehr spitzer, harter Teil an einem Tier oder einer Pflanze, der stechen oder wehtun kann.
Definition & meaning
Stachel means a sharp, pointed structure or object that can pierce, prick, or hurt.
It has several related meanings:
-
A thorn or spine on a plant
A sharp projection growing from a plant, especially a rose or cactus. In this sense, it is often translated as thorn or spine. -
A stinger in an animal
The sharp organ used by animals such as bees, wasps, and scorpions to inject venom or cause pain.- Die Biene hat einen Stachel. — “The bee has a stinger.”
-
A spike or pointed object
A sharp projection on an object, weapon, or tool. -
Figurative: a source of irritation or motivation
Something unpleasant that continues to trouble, provoke, or motivate someone.- Diese Niederlage blieb ein Stachel in seinem Gedächtnis. — “This defeat remained a painful thorn in his memory.”
Grammar & Word origin
The word is related to the German verb stechen , meaning “to sting,” “to prick,” or “to stab.” It comes from an old Germanic root referring to something pointed or piercing.
Common compounds include:
- der Bienenstachel — bee stinger
- der Kaktusstachel — cactus spine
- der Stacheldraht — barbed wire
- der Stachelrochen — stingray
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- der Dorn — “thorn”; usually used for a sharp projection on a plant, especially a rose. It is more plant-specific than Stachel.
- der Stachel — “stinger” or “spine”; commonly used for animals such as bees and scorpions, and for cactus spines.
- die Spitze — “point” or “尖端”; a general term for the pointed end of something, without necessarily implying that it can sting or injure.
- der Sporn — “spur” or “goad”; mainly used figuratively for something that encourages or drives someone forward.
Antonyms
There is no exact general antonym for Stachel. Depending on the context, possible opposites include:
- stachellos — “without spines” or “thornless”
- glatt — “smooth,” when referring to a surface without sharp projections
- sanft — “gentle” or “soft,” in a figurative context
Common phrases & collocations
- der Stachel sitzt tief — “the wound or resentment runs deep”
- einen Stachel hinterlassen — “to leave a lasting hurt or irritation”
- jemandem einen Stachel versetzen — “to hurt or offend someone deeply”
- ein Stachel im Fleisch sein — literally “to be a thorn in the flesh”; to be a persistent source of trouble or irritation
- Stacheldraht — “barbed wire”
- Stachelschwein — “porcupine”
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Examples
Der Stachel der Biene ist gefährlich.noun
The sting of the bee is dangerous.
Nach dem Stich blieb ein Stachel in der Haut stecken.noun
After the sting, a stinger remained embedded in the skin.
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