klettern
/ˈklɛtɐn/
The English verb climb can be translated into German as klettern. Wiktionary also lists steigen.
Meaning: to ascend, to go up (verb)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| klettern | /ˈklɛtɐn/ |
| steigen | /ˈʃtaɪ̯ɡən/ |
In German, the translation of climb depends on whether the action is a physical ascent using limbs or an abstract rise in value or level.
Which one should you use?
Use klettern when the climbing involves physical exertion using hands and feet, such as rock climbing or climbing a tree. Use steigen for a more general sense of ascending (e.g., climbing stairs or a mountain), or for abstract increases like prices or temperatures.
How does it change in a sentence?
For example, one would say ist geklettert for has climbed or ist gestiegen for has climbed/risen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈklɛtɐn/
Did you know?
- In German, using klettern for a staircase would imply you are scrambling up it on all fours rather than walking up the steps.
- The verb klettern shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'cling', as both stems relate to the idea of sticking or adhering to a surface.
- A German speaker might use steigen to describe getting into a car or a train, as the word also means 'to board'.
Examples in context
- Die Preise steigen weiter.Prices continue to climb.This sentence is useful for showing how to describe rising prices with steigen.Tatoeba #740981 by Esperantostern, translation #703070 by papabear
- Klettern Sie nicht darauf!Don't climb on this!This sentence shows the use of klettern in a command.Tatoeba #1315455 by al_ex_an_der, translation #997252 by CK
- Ich bin zu müde zum Klettern.I am too tired to climb.This sentence demonstrates the use of klettern as a noun in this context.Tatoeba #835194 by Esperantostern, translation #252388 by CK
- Er musste die steile Leiter hinaufsteigen, um auf das Dach zu gelangen.He had to climb the steep ladder to reach the roof.
- Komm, wir kraxeln auf den Baum und genießen den Ausblick.Come on, let's climb up the tree and enjoy the view.
- 44 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are at a park in the mountains.
- HannahWollen wir zusammen auf den Felsen klettern?Do you want to climb the rock together?
- LukasJa, ich möchte gerne klettern.Yes, I would like to climb.
- HannahPass auf, beim Klettern kann es rutschig sein.Be careful, it can be slippery while climbing.
- LukasKeine Sorge, ich klettere vorsichtig.Don't worry, I am climbing carefully.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “climb” translations and entries klettern, steigen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries klettern, steigen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
