Baby
/ˈbeːbi/neuter
The English word 'baby' can be translated into German as Baby. Wiktionary also lists Säugling and Kleinkind.
Meaning: very young human being (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Baby | /ˈbeːbi/ /ˈbɛɪ̯bi/ |
neuter |
| Säugling | [ˈzɔʏ̯klɪŋ] (narrow) | masculine |
| Kleinkind | /ˈklaɪ̯nˌkɪnt/ | neuter |
The primary term for a very young human being is Baby. Depending on the context of age or formality, other words may be more appropriate.
Which one should you use?
Baby is the standard term used in everyday conversation. Use Säugling when you need to refer specifically to an infant or a suckling child in a formal or medical context. If you are referring to a slightly older stage of development, such as a toddler, use Kleinkind.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Baby is Babys.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbeːbi/
Did you know?
- In Germany, the term Baby was borrowed directly from English during the mid-19th century.
- While English uses 'baby' as a term of endearment for a romantic partner, using Baby in this way in German can feel like a forced imitation of American pop culture rather than a natural German expression.
- The suffix -ling in Säugling is used in German to denote a person characterized by a specific quality or state.
Examples in context
- Tom ist ein Baby.Tom is a baby.This sentence shows how to use Baby to identify someone.Tatoeba #6590105 by Espi, translation #2272755 by CK
- Das ist ein Baby.This is a baby.This sentence demonstrates identifying a baby with Baby.Tatoeba #8871123 by wolfgangth, translation #7301678 by MessDjaaf
- Ich bin kein Baby.I'm not a baby.This sentence shows how to negate the use of Baby.Tatoeba #5256659 by christian42, translation #2549638 by CK
- Das Baby schläft.The baby is sleeping.
- Hier ist das süße Baby.Here is the cute baby.
- Schau mal, das süße Kleinkind!Look at that cute toddler!
- Unser kleiner Säugling schläft endlich durch.Our little newborn is finally sleeping through the night.
- Schau mal, welch ein putziger Wonneproppen!Look at what an adorable bundle of joy!
- 358 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Lukas are looking at a photo of a newborn.
- JuliaIst das Baby auf dem Foto dein Sohn?Is the baby in the photo your son?
- LukasJa, das ist mein kleiner Sohn.Yes, that is my little son.
- JuliaEr sieht sehr süß aus.He looks very cute.
- LukasDanke, Julia, er ist sehr lieb.Thanks, Julia, he is very sweet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “baby” translations and entries Baby, Säugling, Kleinkind, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Baby, Kleinkind, Säugling, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
