der Stock
Meaning and Usage
"Der Stock" in German refers to a "stick" or "cane," typically a long, thin piece of wood or other material. It can also mean "floor" when used in the context of a building.
Linguistic Analysis
The word "Stock" is a masculine noun in German. It does not have a prefix or suffix and its etymology can be traced back to Old High German "stoc" and Proto-Germanic "*stokkaz."
Comparisons between German and English
The word "Stock" has the same meaning in German and English, where it can refer to a stick or a floor in a building.
Cultural Context
This word is commonly used in various contexts, such as hiking (Wanderstock - hiking stick) or counting floors in a building (erster Stock - first floor).
Example Sentences
- Der alte Mann benutzt einen Stock zum Gehen. (The old man uses a cane for walking.)
- Die Büros befinden sich alle im zweiten Stock. (The offices are all on the second floor.)
Memory Tips
Associate "Stock" with the idea of a "stick" – both words sound somewhat similar, which can help to remember the meaning.
Additional Vocabulary
- Synonyms: Stab (stick), Gehstock (cane)
- Related words: der Aktienmarkt (stock market), die Lagerstätte (stockpile)
Gender and Plural
Gender: masculine Plural: die Stöcke
Conjugation
Not applicable (der Stock is a noun).