Kieselstein
/ˈkiːzl̩ˌʃtaɪ̯n/masculine
The English word pebble is translated into German as Kieselstein. Wiktionary also lists Stein and Kiesel.
Meaning: stone (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kieselstein | /ˈkiːzl̩ˌʃtaɪ̯n/ | masculine |
| Stein | /ʃtaɪn/ | masculine |
| Kiesel | /ˈkiːzəl/ | masculine |
What does it mean word for word?
The word Kieselstein is a compound of Kiesel (gravel/pebble) and Stein (stone).
Which one should you use?
Stein is the general word for any stone, whereas Kieselstein specifically refers to a small, smooth stone. Kiesel is a shorter, more common way to say pebble than the formal Kieselstein.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Kieselstein is Kieselsteine. The plural form of Kiesel is Kiesel (the word remains the same in the plural, though the article changes).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkiːzl̩ˌʃtaɪ̯n/
Did you know?
- In German culture, a Stein can refer to a traditional heavy stoneware beer mug, not just a mineral object.
- In German, Stein is used in the phrase Stein des Anstoßes, which refers to a 'stumbling block' or a bone of contention in an argument.
- The German word Stein is a cognate of the English word 'stone' and the Yiddish word שטיין, meaning they all share the same ancient linguistic ancestor.
Examples in context
- Sie warf den Kiesel.She threw the pebble.This sentence is useful for practicing the word Kiesel.Tatoeba #12877103 by Waldelfe, translation #6995587 by mailohilohi
- Die meisten Meteoroiden sind nicht größer als Kieselsteine.Most meteoroids are no bigger than a pebble.Tatoeba #8662420 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3957605 by Hybrid
- Ich habe einen Stein im Schuh.I have a pebble in my shoe.This sentence is useful for practicing the word Stein.Tatoeba #2102426 by ospalh, translation #2258774 by _undertoad
- Der Kieselstein liegt am Ufer des Flusses.The pebble is lying on the riverbank.
- Bitte achten Sie darauf, dass keine Kieselsteine auf dem Weg liegen.Please make sure there are no pebbles on the path.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are walking along a riverbank.
- LauraSchau mal, dieser Kieselstein ist wunderschön.Look, this pebble is beautiful.
- FelixJa, der Kieselstein glänzt in der Sonne.Yes, the pebble shines in the sun.
- LauraWillst du ihn behalten, Felix?Do you want to keep it, Felix?
- FelixNein, ich lasse ihn lieber im Fluss.No, I would rather leave it in the river.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pebble” translations and entries Kieselstein, Stein, Kiesel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Kiesel, Kieselstein, Stein, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
