Kindergarten
/ˈkɪndərˌɡartən/
The English phrase 'kindergarten' is translated into German as Kindergarten. Wiktionary also lists Vorschule.
Meaning: educational institution for young children, usually between ages 4 and 6 (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten | /ˈkɪndərˌɡartən/ | |
| Vorschule | feminine |
The term refers to an educational institution for young children, typically between the ages of 4 and 6.
What does it mean word for word?
Kindergarten is a compound of Kinder, meaning children and Garten, meaning garden.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing movement toward the kindergarten, such as 'going to', you use the masculine accusative form den Kindergarten.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkɪndərˌɡartən/
Did you know?
- In Germany, the transition from Kindergarten to Schule is a major social milestone marked by a specific ceremony and the gift of a Schultüte.
- Germany is the birthplace of the global 'kindergarten' concept, and the word was adopted into English without translation.
- The term was originally a metaphor. Friedrich Fröbel coined Kindergarten to describe a place where children could grow naturally, like plants in a garden, rather than a literal outdoor garden.
Examples in context
- Er geht in den Kindergarten.He goes to kindergarten.This sentence shows the use of the accusative form den Kindergarten to indicate movement.Tatoeba #1394673 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1394677 by CK
- Tom ist Erzieher im Kindergarten.Tom is a kindergarten teacher.This sentence shows how to describe a person's profession in relation to the Kindergarten.Tatoeba #7697412 by wolfgangth, translation #4502551 by CK
- Sie ist Erzieherin im Kindergarten.She is a child-care worker in a kindergarten.Tatoeba #10371786 by Yorwba, translation #1567756 by trieuho
- Mein Sohn geht in den Kindergarten.My son goes to kindergarten.
- Meine Tochter besucht eine Kindertagesstätte.My daughter attends a kindergarten.
- Unser Enkel geht in die Kita.Our grandson goes to kindergarten.
- 33 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Julia are talking about their child's daily routine.
- LukasBringst du das Kind in den Kindergarten?Are you taking the child to the kindergarten?
- JuliaJa, ich bringe ihn heute in den Kindergarten.Yes, I am taking him to the kindergarten today.
- LukasIst der Kindergarten in der Nähe?Is the kindergarten nearby?
- JuliaJa, der Kindergarten ist direkt um die Ecke.Yes, the kindergarten is right around the corner.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kindergarten” translations and entries Kindergarten, Vorschule, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Kindergarten, Vorschule, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
