This is the 11561st most frequent German word.
stift
Pen; pencil; or (in some contexts) foundation/establishment.
Here, 'Stift' refers to a pen, a writing instrument.
Ich schreibe mit einem Stift.
I am writing with a pen.
In this sentence, 'Stift' again denotes a pen, and its position and color are described.
Der Stift auf dem Tisch ist blau.
The pen on the table is blue.
Here, 'Stift' means an apprentice, often used in informal contexts in Germany.