Feststeckt

Feststeckt is a German term describing the condition in which an object cannot be moved because it is wedged, jammed, or otherwise immovably fixed. It is formed from fest (firm, solid) and stecken (to be stuck). In standard German, the present tense is written as two words: etwas steckt fest. The past participle is festgesteckt. The one-word form feststeckt is not the preferred spelling in formal writing, but may appear in headlines, informal notes, or dialectal use as a condensed rendering of the phrase.

Common uses and contexts

The expression is widely used in mechanical, technical, and everyday contexts. Examples include a bolt that cannot be turned, a door that won’t open, a pipe that is blocked, or gears that fail to mesh. In automotive, plumbing, or electronics, problems described as “etwas steckt fest” usually indicate an obstruction, misalignment, corrosion, or excessive friction that prevents normal operation.

How to respond

Judicious handling is recommended: do not force a stuck component, as this can cause damage. Steps often include assessing alignment, cleaning away debris, applying appropriate lubricant or penetrating oil, gently tapping to relieve pressure, and, if necessary, disassembly or professional assistance. If safety is a concern, switch off power and consult the equipment manual.

Related terms

Related German terms include klemmen (to seize or jam), stecken bleiben (to get stuck), and festgesteckt (stuck in the past participle form). The concept is common in technical troubleshooting and everyday language across German-speaking regions.