Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Stelle | /ˈʃtɛlə/ | feminine |
| Ort | /ɔʁt/ | masculine |
The term Stelle is used to describe a specific, often small or precise point, position or a part of a larger whole. The term Ort refers to a more general location, such as a town, a site or a geographical area. If you want to say "on the spot" in the sense of "immediately" or "right now", you can use the idiom auf der Stelle. Related verbs include entdecken, which means to see, pick out, notice or identify and beflecken, which means to stain or leave a spot.
Which one should you use?
Stelle is the specific choice for a precise spot, place or point. In contrast, Ort is used for a more general location, place or site.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Stelle is a feminine noun. Its plural form is Stellen. Ort is a masculine noun. Its plural form is Orte.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃtɛlə/
Did you know?
- Beyond meaning 'spot', Stelle is the standard German word for a 'job' or 'professional position'. A person searching for a Stelle might be looking for employment rather than a physical location.
- The term Ort was once used specifically to describe the sharp 'tip' or 'point' of a weapon. This focused meaning eventually evolved into the general word for a geographical 'place'.
Examples in context
- Er war auf der Stelle tot.He died on the spot.This sentence shows how to use Stelle to mean 'on the spot'.Tatoeba #13097170 by Waldelfe, translation #7431974 by jimkillock
- Du hast eine Stelle ausgelassen.You missed a spot.This sentence uses Stelle to mean a missed spot.Tatoeba #2189831 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2162957 by Hybrid
- Das ist seine verwundbare Stelle.That's his weak spot.This sentence uses Stelle to mean a weak spot.Tatoeba #1737559 by al_ex_an_der, translation #1737592 by Grim_fandango
- Kann ich meinen Wagen auf diesem Parkplatz abstellen?Can I park my car in this spot?
- Schau mal, ich habe einen Fleck auf meinem T-Shirt.Look, I have a spot on my t-shirt.
- Lass uns am gewohnten Ort treffen.Let's meet at the usual spot.
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Julian are looking for a place to picnic in a park.
- JuliaIst das eine gute Stelle für unser Picknick?Is this a good spot for our picnic?
- JulianJa, diese Stelle ist perfekt.Yes, this spot is perfect.
- JuliaEs ist eine sehr schöne Stelle im Park.It is a very beautiful spot in the park.
- JulianIch mag diese Stelle auch sehr.I like this spot a lot too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spot” translations and entries Stelle, Ort, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Ort, Stelle, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
