Gestochen

Gestochen is a German word with several meanings depending on the context. Most commonly, it is the past participle of the verb "stechen," which means "to sting," "to stab," or "to pierce."

As "to sting," gestochen can refer to the sensation caused by an insect. For example, "eine Biene hat mich gestochen" translates to "a bee stung me." This usage emphasizes the sharp, penetrating pain of the sting.

In the context of "to stab," gestochen describes a violent act of piercing with a sharp object like a knife. A phrase like "er wurde mit einem Messer gestochen" means "he was stabbed with a knife." This is a serious and often dangerous action.

"To pierce" is another interpretation of gestochen, often used for creating holes. For instance, "ein Loch in Papier gestochen" means "a hole pierced in paper." This can also apply to piercing body parts for jewelry.

Beyond these literal meanings, gestochen can also be used metaphorically. For example, it might describe a sharp, sudden remark or a piercing gaze. The core idea of something sharp, penetrating, or sudden is often present. The precise meaning is always inferred from the surrounding words and situation.