Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| klein | /klaɪ̯n/ | |
| wenig | /ˈveːnɪç/ /ˈveːnɪk/ (Austria, Southern Germany, Switzerland, standard, southern Germany) |
|
| lütt | /lʏt/ | colloquial |
| lützel | /ˈlʏt͡sl̩/ | |
| chlei | Alemannic German |
Use klein to describe something that is small in size or scale. Use wenig to describe a small or insufficient amount of something uncountable, such as time, patience or food.
Which one should you use?
klein refers to physical size, whereas wenig refers to quantity or amount.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form lütt is colloquial, while lützel is an obsolete and dialectal term. The word chlei is specific to Alemannic-German.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In northern Germany, particularly within Low German dialects, you may encounter the term lütt. In some southern German dialects, such as Bavarian, the word klaane is used to express the concept of little.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express 'a little' (meaning a small but positive amount) rather than 'little' (meaning hardly any), use the phrase ein wenig.
How do you pronounce it?
/klaɪ̯n/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use wenig to describe the physical size of an object. This is a common error for English speakers. Use klein for size and wenig only for quantity.
Did you know?
- While 'little' in English often implies something small, the ancestor of the German word klein originally meant 'shining', 'fine' or 'splendid'.
- If you describe someone as 'zierlich' in German, you might be complimenting their petite or delicate frame, a sense inherited from a word meaning 'decorative'.
Examples in context
- Ist das zu wenig?Is this too little?This sentence is useful for asking if an amount is insufficient using wenig.Tatoeba #8501596 by Luiaard, translation #5757485 by CM
- Er isst nur wenig.He eats only a little.This sentence demonstrates how to use wenig to describe a small amount of food consumed.Tatoeba #8320597 by MisterTrouser, translation #12096597 by shekitten
- Er hat wenig Geduld.He has little patience.This sentence shows how to use wenig when describing an insufficient amount of a quality like patience.Tatoeba #1811571 by Tamy, translation #474596 by garyuichimongiri
- Ich habe wenig Zeit.I have little time.
- Wir haben wenig Geld.We have little money.
- Er hat wenig Ahnung von der Materie.He has little knowledge of the subject.
- Sein Bruder ist klein für sein Alter.His brother is small for his age.
- Das Haus hat ein kleines Badezimmer.The house has a small bathroom.
- Kann ich bitte noch ein bisschen Kuchen haben?Can I have a little more cake, please?
- Er ist ein bisschen müde.He is a little tired.
- Schau mal, das ist ein niedliches Blümchen!Look, that's a cute little flower!
- 1229 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Hannah are looking at a puppy in a pet shop.
- JulianSchau mal, der Hund ist so klein!Look, the dog is so small!
- HannahJa, er ist wirklich sehr klein.Yes, he is really very small.
- JulianPasst er in eine kleine Box?Does he fit in a small box?
- HannahIch glaube, die Box ist zu klein.I think the box is too small.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “little” translations and entries klein, wenig, lütt, lützel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries klein, lütt, lützel, wenig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
