knuffelen
/ˈknʏ.fə.lə(n)/
To cuddle in Dutch is to knuffelen.
The verb knuffelen describes the act of embracing or lying together snugly. It is used to express physical affection between adults, as well as when a person is holding or cuddling a child or a pet.
Meaning: intransitive: embrace, lie together snugly (verb)
Which one should you use?
While knuffelen is the verb used for the act of cuddling, the related noun knuffel refers to the cuddle itself. You can also use the diminutive form knuffeltje to refer to a small or sweet cuddle.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person singular present tense of knuffelen is knuffelt, and the past participle is geknuffeld.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈknʏ.fə.lə(n)/.
Did you know?
- The word knuffelen may have its roots in words describing a physical nudge or a bump rather than a soft embrace.
- The verb knuffelen is often used in Dutch to describe a cozy state of being, reflecting the broader cultural concept of gezelligheid.
- In Dutch, the word knuffel is often used to describe a stuffed animal, such as a 'knuffelbeer', which is a teddy bear used for cuddling.
Examples in context
- Wil je knuffelen?Wanna cuddle?This sentence is useful for asking if someone wants to cuddle using knuffelen.Tatoeba #11253241 by PaulP, translation #11246631 by shekitten
- Mag zij misschien eens de baby knuffelen?Could she cuddle the baby for a bit?This sentence shows how to use knuffelen when referring to holding a baby.Tatoeba #13643399 by kiryopi, translation #13643400 by kiryopi
- Ik wil je graag een knuffel geven.I would like to give you a cuddle.
- Hij gaf zijn zus een warme omhelzing.He gave his sister a warm cuddle.
- Tot straks! Hier is alvast een dikke knuffel voor jou.See you later! Here's a big cuddle for you already.
- Mijn kat vindt het heerlijk om knuffels en kroels te krijgen.My cat loves to receive cuddles and pets.
- De kinderen willen even knuffelen.The children want to cuddle for a bit.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A cozy living room on a rainy evening.
- DaanHet is zo koud buiten.It is so cold outside.
- JuliaZullen we samen knuffelen onder de deken?Shall we cuddle together under the blanket?
- DaanDat klinkt heel gezellig, Julia.That sounds very cozy, Julia.
- JuliaIk vind het ook heerlijk.I think it is lovely too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cuddle” translations and entries knuffelen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries knuffelen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
