kuscheln
/ˈkʊʃəln/
The German phrase for 'snuggle' is kuscheln.
The verb kuscheln means to hold someone close in a cozy and affectionate way. It can be used both intransitively (to snuggle) and transitively (to snuggle someone/something).
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the perfect tense, use the infinitive kuscheln with the auxiliary verb haben. The simple past form of the verb is kuschelte, and the past participle is gekuschelt.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkʊʃəln/
Did you know?
- The verb kuscheln actually traces its roots back to the French phrase se coucher, which means 'to lie down'.
- The ending -eln in kuscheln is a linguistic tool used to make the action sound softer and more endearing.
- German has a specific distinction between kuscheln and knuddeln, where knuddeln refers specifically to the squeezing motion of a hug rather than a long period of cozying up.
Examples in context
- Ich möchte mich in deine Arme kuscheln.I want to snuggle up in your arms.
- Lass uns auf der Couch schmusen.Let's snuggle on the couch.
- Lass uns zusammen kuscheln.Let's snuggle together.
- Komm her, lass uns knuddeln.Come here, let's snuggle.
- Wir wollen heute Abend nur kuscheln.We just want to snuggle tonight.
- Das Kind möchte mit der Mama kuscheln.The child wants to snuggle with mommy.
- Wir können im Kino gemeinsam kuscheln.We can snuggle together at the cinema.
Example conversation
Lukas and Julia are relaxing in the living room.
- LukasEs ist heute so kalt draußen.It is so cold outside today.
- JuliaWollen wir unter der Decke kuscheln?Do you want to snuggle under the blanket?
- LukasDas ist eine sehr gute Idee.That is a very good idea.
- JuliaDann komm schnell zu mir, Lukas.Then come to me quickly, Lukas.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry kuscheln, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kuscheln, CC BY-SA 4.0.
