Umarmung
/ˌʔʊmˈʔaʁmʊŋ/feminine
The English phrase 'hug' is translated into German as Umarmung.
Umarmung refers to an affectionate embrace.
Meaning: affectionate embrace (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the verb umarmen, where um means 'around' and Arm means 'arm'.
Which one should you use?
While umarmen is the standard verb for to embrace, the verb drücken (literally 'to press') is often used colloquially to mean giving someone a squeeze or a tight hug.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Umarmung is a feminine noun, used with the feminine article die. The plural form is Umarmungen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌʔʊmˈʔaʁmʊŋ/
Did you know?
- Because Arm is a masculine noun, the word Arme can mean 'arms', but it can also mean 'the poor' when used in a specific context.
- German has no single word for 'cuddle' that perfectly matches the English nuance, so speakers often use Kuscheln, which implies snuggling or nesting rather than a standing Umarmung.
- If someone asks for a Knuddel in certain regions, they are asking for a very sweet, often childish or affectionate, hug.
Examples in context
- Willst du mir keine Umarmung geben?Don't you want to give me a hug?This sentence shows how to ask for an Umarmung.Tatoeba #7754104 by Neisklar, translation #2014629 by CK
- Ich brauche wirklich eine Umarmung.I really need a hug.This sentence expresses a need for an Umarmung.Tatoeba #8834290 by wolfgangth, translation #2390864 by CK
- Sie gab ihrem Sohn eine große Umarmung.She gave her son a big hug.This sentence describes giving someone a large Umarmung.Tatoeba #12077571 by Naina, translation #3857577 by Amastan
- Es freut mich, Sie zu sehen. Darf ich Ihnen eine Umarmung geben?It's nice to see you. May I give you a hug?
- Komm her, lass uns drücken!Come here, let's hug!
- Können wir uns bitte knuddeln? Ich bin so froh, dich zu sehen!Can we please give each other a hug? I'm so happy to see you!
- Ich vermisse dich so! Komm her, ich will dich knuddeln!I miss you so much! Come here, I want to give you a hug!
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are saying goodbye at the train station.
- LukasEs ist Zeit zu gehen, Sarah.It is time to go, Sarah.
- SarahJa, aber gib mir noch eine Umarmung!Yes, but give me one more hug!
- LukasNatürlich, komm her.Of course, come here.
- SarahDanke, Lukas, das war schön.Thanks, Lukas, that was lovely.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hug” translations and entries Umarmung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
