Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| kuschelig | /ˈkʊʃəlɪç/ /ˈkʊʃəlɪk/ |
| knuddelig | /ˈknʊdəlɪç/ /ˈknʊdəlɪk/ |
| anschmiegsam | |
| verschmust | /fɛɐ̯ˈʃmuːst/ |
While kuschelig is the most common term, other words like knuddelig express a playful desire to be hugged and schnuckelig can be used to describe something that is cute or sweet, often implying a sense of cuddliness.
Which one should you use?
kuschelig is a neutral term often used to describe the tactile quality of an object, such as a soft blanket or a cozy room, that is pleasant to snuggle in. In contrast, knuddelig is an informal and playful term that refers to the desire or tendency to be hugged or held and is frequently used for children or pets. The word anschmiegsam describes a physical quality of being easy to snuggle against, but it also carries a metaphorical meaning to describe a person who is sycophantic or overly submissive.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkʊʃəlɪç/
Did you know?
- The root of verschmust is the noun Schmus, which in some contexts can refer to a 'sweet nothing' or a term of endearment, making the adjective feel even more sentimental.
- The word schmusen used in verschmust can specifically refer to a type of intimate, romantic cuddling that is more intense than just hugging.
- The term anschmiegsam literally implies a physical quality of 'fitting oneself' against something, much like how a piece of clothing fits a body.
Examples in context
- Diese Kätzchen sind so knuddelig und süß.These kittens are so cute and cuddly.This sentence shows how to use knuddelig to describe kittens.Tatoeba #3641571 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3634036 by Hybrid
- Martine hat einen Hund. Der ist superflauschig und sehr knuddelig.Martine has a dog. It is super fluffy and very cuddly.This sentence demonstrates the use of knuddelig for a dog.Tatoeba #12334819 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #8800263 by solsikkeris
- Dicke sind kuschelig.Fat people are cuddly.This sentence shows how to use kuschelig in a general statement.Tatoeba #11494688 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11494440 by shekitten
- Das Kätzchen ist so kuschelig!The kitten is so cuddly!
- Die Teddybären sind so knuddelig!The teddy bears are so cuddly!
- Das Baby ist so schnuckelig!The baby is so cuddly/sweet!
- Das Kissen ist so kuschelig, weich und flauschig!The pillow is so cuddly, soft, and fluffy!
- Mein Partner ist so herzlich, liebevoll und kuscheligMy partner is so heartwarming, loving, and cuddly
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are sitting on the sofa on a cold evening.
- FelixIst diese Decke kuschelig?Is this blanket cuddly?
- SarahJa, sie ist sehr kuschelig, Felix.Yes, it is very cuddly, Felix.
- FelixDann wollen wir es uns gemütlich machen.Then let's make ourselves comfortable.
- SarahDas ist eine gute Idee.That is a good idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cuddly” translations and entries kuschelig, knuddelig, anschmiegsam, verschmust, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
