Kätzchen
/ˈkɛtsçən/neuter
The English word 'kitten' is translated into German as Kätzchen. Wiktionary also lists Katzenbaby and Kätzli.
Meaning: a young cat (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kätzchen | /ˈkɛtsçən/ | neuter |
| Katzenbaby | neuter | |
| Kätzli | Swiss, neuter | |
| Katzenjunges | [ˈkatsn̩ˌjʊŋəs] (narrow) [ˈkatsənˌjʊŋəs] (narrow) |
neuter |
| Katzenwelpe | [ˈkatsn̩ˌvɛlpə] (narrow) [ˈkatsənˌvɛlpə] (narrow) |
masculine |
All provided forms refer to a young cat. While Kätzchen is the most frequent and standard term, other forms exist depending on the desired level of technicality or regional dialect.
Which one should you use?
Kätzchen is the standard, most common way to say kitten. In contrast, Katzenjunges is a more technical or biological term. The form Katzenwelpe is considered rare.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Switzerland, the diminutive form Kätzli is used. In certain regions of Germany, specifically Swabia, one might use the informal term Kätzle.
How does it change in a sentence?
Kätzchen, Katzenbaby, Kätzli and Katzenjunges are all neuter nouns. The rare form Katzenwelpe is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkɛtsçən/
Did you know?
- The word Katzenwelpe uses the word Welpe, which typically refers exclusively to puppies in German.
- While an English speaker might say 'kitten' to describe a small cat, calling a cat a Kätzchen in German can also imply a sense of endearment or 'smallness' regardless of the cat's actual age.
- The diminutive suffix in Kätzchen not only makes the word sound 'cuter' but also automatically forces the noun into the neuter gender.
Examples in context
- Das Kätzchen wollte rein.The kitten wanted in.This sentence shows the use of Kätzchen to express a desire to enter.Tatoeba #12466594 by mayabe, translation #246100 by CK
- Das Kätzchen will schlafen.The kitten wants to sleep.This sentence demonstrates the use of Kätzchen regarding a desire to sleep.Tatoeba #1790626 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1432418 by CK
- Ich nannte das Kätzchen Tama.I named the kitten Tama.This sentence uses Kätzchen in the context of naming a pet.Tatoeba #623489 by virgil, translation #254607 by CN
- Das Kätzchen spielt gerne mit Bällen.The kitten likes to play with balls.
- Schau dir das süße Kätzle an!Look at the cute little kitten!
- Komm her, du süße Mietze!Come here, you sweet kitten!
- Ich möchte ein Kätzchen habenI want a kitten.
- Wie heißt das Kätzchen?What's the kitten's name?
- 55 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Hannah are looking at a photo of a pet.
- JulianIst das Kätzchen dein neues Haustier?Is that kitten your new pet?
- HannahJa, das kleine Kätzchen gehört mir.Yes, the little kitten belongs to me.
- JulianSie ist wirklich sehr süß, Hannah.She is really very cute, Hannah.
- HannahDanke, Julian, ich liebe sie sehr.Thanks, Julian, I love her very much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kitten” translations and entries Kätzchen, Katzenjunges, Katzenwelpe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
