Klettern
/ˈklɛtɐn/
Rock climbing in German is Klettern.
Klettern is the general term used to describe rock climbing in German. If you are referring to indoor rock climbing, you would often use the term Kletterwand.
Meaning: sport of scaling rock faces (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Klettern is the standard way to refer to the sport of rock climbing, Felsklettern is a more specific term for climbing specifically on rock faces (as opposed to indoor or general climbing). Kraxeln denotes the action of scrambling or climbing rocks and Kraxelei is a playful and light-hearted way of referring to rock climbing.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Klettern is neuter and takes the definite article das.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈklɛtɐn/
When do people say it?
If you want to wish someone enjoyment in the activity, you can say Viel Spaß beim Klettern! (Enjoy climbing!).
Did you know?
- The word Klettern is distantly related to the German word for dress, Kleid. Both originate from an ancient root meaning 'to stick' or 'to cling'.
- The term Kraxeln is particularly common in Southern German and Austrian dialects, where mountainous terrain is a part of daily life.
Examples in context
- Ich habe vor, am Wochenende Klettern zu gehen.I plan to go rock climbing this weekend.
- Wir gehen heute zum Klettern.We are going rock climbing today.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their weekend plans at a cafe.
- JuliaJulian, gehst du am Samstag Klettern?Julian, are you going rock climbing on Saturday?
- JulianJa, ich liebe Klettern sehr.Yes, I love rock climbing very much.
- JuliaKann ich mit dir mitkommen?Can I come along with you?
- JulianKlar, wir machen das zusammen.Sure, we will do that together.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry klettern.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries klettern, CC BY-SA 4.0.
