An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Stein

by Friedrich Kluge

Stein, m., ‘stone,’ from the equiv. MidHG. and OHG. stein, m.; corresponding to Goth. stains, OIc. steinn, AS. stân, E. stone (to which E. dial. steen, ‘stone vessel,’ from AS. stœ̂ne, ‘pitcher’ is allied; comp. OHG. steinna, ‘pitcher’), Du. steen, OSax. stên. The common Teut. staino- is related pre-historically to OSlov. stěna, ‘wall’ (stĕnĭnŭ, ‘rocky, stony’), as well as to Gr. στία, στῖον, ‘pebble.’ —