kuscheln
/ˈkʊʃəln/
To cuddle in German is to say kuscheln. Wiktionary also lists knuddeln.
Meaning: intransitive: embrace, lie together snugly (verb)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| kuscheln | /ˈkʊʃəln/ |
| knuddeln | /ˈknʊdəln/ |
The German language has several ways to express the act of cuddling or embracing. The verb kuscheln is the standard verb used for romantic or cozy snuggling. The verb knuddeln is often used in a more playful, cute or affectionate context, frequently used with children or close friends. Both verbs are intransitive, meaning they describe the act of embracing or lying together snugly.
Which one should you use?
knuddeln implies a more active, brief and often cute gesture of squeezing or hugging someone.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The nominalized form of the verb kuscheln is Kuscheln, which is used as a neuter noun meaning 'the act of cuddling'. Related nouns include Umarmung, which means an affectionate embrace.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkʊʃəln/
Did you know?
- The word knuddeln is actually a linguistic relative of the word 'knot'. It stems from ancient dialect terms meaning a 'knob' or 'knot', implying a hug so tight it is like being tied together.
- German uses the term Kuscheltier to describe a stuffed animal, literally calling it a 'cuddle animal'.
- While kuscheln is used widely today, it only became a standard part of the German language around 1900, having existed in local dialects much longer.
Examples in context
- Darf ich dich knuddeln?May I cuddle you?This sentence is useful for asking permission to use the form knuddeln.Tatoeba #5520909 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5556489 by Rawrren
- Er will immer mit mir kuscheln.He always wants to cuddle with me.This sentence shows how to use the form kuscheln to express a desire to cuddle.Tatoeba #13389814 by Waldelfe, translation #9289080 by shekitten
- Könnten wir nicht stattdessen kuscheln?Couldn't we cuddle, instead?This sentence demonstrates using the form kuscheln to suggest cuddling as an alternative.Tatoeba #930849 by Espi, translation #926817 by bojnin
- In diesem schwierigen Moment braucht sie eine zärtliche Umarmung.In this difficult moment, she needs a tender cuddle.
- Lass uns auf dem Sofa kuscheln und einen Film sehen.Let's cuddle on the couch and watch a movie.
- Die Katze liebt es, geschmust zu werden.The cat loves to be cuddled.
- Die Kinder knuddeln gerne.The children love to cuddle.
- Es ist so schön, mit dir zu schmusen.It's so nice to cuddle with you.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A cozy evening on the sofa.
- JuliaWollen wir zusammen kuscheln?Do you want to cuddle together?
- FelixJa, das ist eine gute Idee.Yes, that is a good idea.
- JuliaDu bist so warm und gemütlich.You are so warm and cozy.
- FelixIch genieße die Zeit mit dir.I am enjoying the time with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cuddle” translations and entries kuscheln, knuddeln, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries knuddeln, kuscheln, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
