verb
to sting, to prick, to pierce
B1
stechen: means 'to sting', 'to prick' or 'to pierce' — piercing action like a needle, insect sting or pain. Strong (irregular) verb: present e→i (du stichst, er sticht), Präteritum stach, participle gestochen. Auxiliary: haben. Non‑reflexive. No fixed preposition; takes a direct object (jemand stechen).
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.EXAMPLES
Die Biene stach das Kind, obwohl die Eltern versuchten, es zu schützen.
The bee stung the child, although the parents tried to protect them.
Pass auf, du könntest dich mit der Nadel stechen.
Be careful, you might prick yourself with the needle.
Jemand verschluckt eine Biene und wird im Hals gestochen.
Someone swallows a bee and is stung in the throat.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.DETAILS_LABEL
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.MNEMONICS
Imagine a bee's stinger stabbing like a needle — quick, sharp motion
sounds like 'stitch' (a sharp poke)
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.NOTES
Commonly used for insect stings and for sharp pains. Do not confuse with 'stecken' (to stick/put).