It’s what you use to write, draw, or nervously click during a meeting. In German, it’s der Stift. This is your German Word of the Day—small, practical, and essential in classrooms, offices, and art studios.

The noun Stift means pen or pencil, and it’s one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German. It can refer to any writing or drawing utensil, and appears in both everyday and technical vocabulary.

It’s a masculine noun, so we say der Stift (want to remember genders easily and reliably? Our video lesson gives you proven tips).

Pronunciation

Stift is pronounced [shtift]

• Like “shtift” (with a sharp t at the end)

• One clear syllable

• Stress is on the whole word: Stift

Example sentences

• Hast du einen Stift für mich?
  Do you have a pen for me?

• Ich schreibe lieber mit Bleistift als mit Kugelschreiber.
  I prefer writing with pencil rather than ballpoint pen.

• Der Stift liegt unter dem Tisch.
  The pen is under the table.

Nuance and usage tips

✍️ Stift is a general word for writing tools, and it’s often clarified by context or compound forms:

🖊️ Common types of Stift:

• Bleistift – pencil

• Kugelschreiber (or Kuli) – ballpoint pen

• Filzstift – felt-tip marker

• Buntstift – colored pencil

• Textmarker – highlighter (sometimes: Markerstift)

• Permanentstift – permanent marker

• Tintenstift – ink pen

🛠️ In technical contexts, Stift can also mean:

• Dübelstift – dowel pin

• Steckstift – plug-in pin

• Stiftleiste – pin header (electronics)

🗣️ Colloquial / regional meanings:

• In some regions or older usage, Stift can also mean an apprentice (short for Lehrling)

• Example: „Er ist noch ein Stift.“ – He’s still a trainee.

How does this word come up in real conversations?

• "Kann ich mir deinen Stift leihen?"
  Can I borrow your pen?

• "Der Stift schreibt nicht mehr."
  The pen doesn’t work anymore.

• "Ich hab extra neue Buntstifte gekauft."
  I bought new colored pencils especially.

Sample Dialogue (Beginner Level)

Lena: Hast du einen Stift dabei?
Paul: Ja – willst du einen Kuli oder einen Bleistift?
Lena: Bleistift bitte, ich muss etwas radieren können.
Paul: Klar, hier.

Translation:
Lena: Do you have a pen with you?
Paul: Yep—do you want a ballpoint or a pencil?
Lena: Pencil please, I need to be able to erase.
Paul: Sure, here you go.

Grammatical case examples

Nominative:
Der Stift liegt auf dem Tisch.
The pen is on the table.

Accusative:
Ich nehme den Stift.
I’ll take the pen.

Dative:
Ich schreibe mit dem Stift.
I’m writing with the pen.

Genitive:
Die Farbe des Stifts ist fast leer.
The ink of the pen is almost empty.

Word variations and language tidbits

• Stiftebox – pencil case

• Stiftspitzer – pencil sharpener

• Stiftetui – pen pouch

• Stiftführung – pen control (in handwriting or design)

• Stiftset – pen or pencil set

🧠 Fun fact: In kindergarten and primary school, kids often have a Schlampermäppchen (slouchy pencil case) full of Stifte, and the Füller (ink pen) becomes a big step in first-grade writing development.

📘 Duden entry: https://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Stift
🎥 Want to make your German writing tool kit sharp? Our free video course teaches the 1000 most useful nouns with grammar help and real-world context.

Ready for more German Words of the Day?
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