stechen
Translation
to sting, to prick, to stab, to pierce
Examples
Eine Biene hat mich gestochen.
A bee stung me.
Er stach ihn mit einem Messer.
He stabbed him with a knife.
Die Sonne sticht heute stark.
The sun is scorching today.
Diese Farbe sticht ins Auge.
This colour is eye-catching.
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) stechen to sting/stab sb./sth. A bee stung me.
((sb.)) ((mit+3)) stechen to stab sb. with sth. He stabbed him with a knife.
Similar Words
Synonyms: piksen (to prick); Antonyms: streicheln (to stroke)
Etymology
From Old High German 'stehhan'. Related to the English word 'to stick'.
Memory Tips
Imagine the sharp, 'sticking' pain of a bee 'sting'. The sound of 'stechen' itself is sharp.