Stöckchen holen
The phrase "play fetch" is translated into German as Stöckchen holen.
The phrase is used to describe the act of throwing an object for a dog to retrieve and bring back. During the actual activity, you might use the specific command Stöckchen, hol! (Stick, fetch!) or even just Hol! (Fetch!) to direct the dog.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, Stöckchen holen means "to fetch little sticks". The word Stöckchen is the diminutive form of Stock (stick).
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to express that you are actively playing fetch with a dog, you often use the construction Stöckchen holen lassen, which means "to have [the dog] fetch sticks".
Did you know?
- German has an entire category of nouns ending in -chen that shrinks the object's size or makes it sound cute. This diminutive is so common that Stöckchen is the standard term for the game, even if the dog is fetching a large branch.
- The verb holen shares a common ancestor with the English word 'haul', suggesting that both words fundamentally involve the physical effort of pulling or bringing something toward oneself.
- The diminutive Stöckchen is so common in this context that using the standard word Stock for a stick can make the game sound unnecessarily harsh or serious.
Examples in context
- Der Hund möchte unbedingt Stöckchen holen.The dog really wants to play fetch.
Example conversation
A young man and woman are at a park with a golden retriever.
- MaximilianSchau mal, er möchte Stöckchen holen!Look, he wants to play fetch!
- HannahOh, das macht ihm sicher viel Spaß.Oh, he will surely have a lot of fun.
- MaximilianSoll ich das Stöckchen für ihn werfen?Should I throw the stick for him?
- HannahJa, mach das bitte, Maximilian.Yes, please do that, Maximilian.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries holen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
