Kind
/kɪnt/neuter
The English word "kid" is translated into German as Kind.
The word Kind is a noun used to refer to a child. While it is the standard, neutral term for a child in German, it is not as informal as the English word "kid" might suggest.
Meaning: child (colloq.) (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Kind is the standard word for child, it is less colloquial than the English word "kid" might imply. In German, Kind is the neutral, standard term.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Kind is Kinder. When using the genitive singular case (to say "of the child"), the form is Kindes.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɪnt/
Did you know?
- The English word 'kin' shares the same ancient root as the German Kind, both descending from a Proto-Indo-European word meaning 'to give birth'.
- While English speakers use 'kid' to mean a young goat, the German word Kind is strictly used for human children and has no connection to animals.
- The word Kind can be combined into the term Kinderschema, which refers to the set of physical features like large eyes and a round face that trigger a nurturing response in adults.
Examples in context
- Er hat ein Kind.He has one kid.This sentence shows how to use the word Kind to indicate possession.Tatoeba #8842407 by wolfgangth, translation #2856267 by Amastan
- Tom hat ein Kind.Tom has a kid.Tatoeba #3518476 by DenO, translation #2867023 by Amastan
- Ich bin kein Kind.I'm not a kid.This sentence shows how to use the word Kind in a negative statement.Tatoeba #1848720 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2549706 by CK
- Das Kind spielt im ParkThe kid is playing in the park.
- Der Junge liest ein BuchThe boy is reading a book.
- Der Knirps lernt laufenThe kid is learning to walk.
- Das Bürschchen macht UnsinnThe kid is misbehaving.
- 278 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are talking about a noisy child at a cafe.
- HannahDas Kind ist heute sehr laut.That kid is very loud today.
- FelixJa, es spielt wirklich wild.Yes, it is playing really wildly.
- HannahWo sind die Eltern vom Kind?Where are the kid's parents?
- FelixIch glaube, sie sind dort drüben.I think they are over there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kid” translations and entries Kind, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Kind, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
