01
das Kind
child
A young person in the stage between birth and puberty.
example
Die Kinder spielen draußen im Sandkasten.
The children are playing outside in the sandbox.
das Kind
child
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word formation: compounds
The word 'Kind' (child) is the basis for very many compound nouns. Words that begin with 'Kinder-' almost always relate to children, e.g. 'Kindergarten' (kindergarten), 'Kinderarzt' (pediatrician), or 'Kinderbuch' (children's book).
EXAMPLE
Morgens bringt er seine Tochter in den Kindergarten.
In the morning, he takes his daughter to kindergarten.
Context clue: age
The meaning of 'Kind' depends on the context. If you are talking about your own offspring ('meine Kinder'), age does not matter. If you are talking generally about 'Kindern' (children), young people are usually meant.
EXAMPLE
Ihre Kinder sind schon erwachsen und leben im Ausland.
Her children are already grown up and live abroad.
Figurative meaning
In the figurative sense, 'Kind' describes an adult who behaves naively, curiously, or enthusiastically in a particular area. The expression 'wie ein Kind' (like a child) is often used.
EXAMPLE
Wenn es um Technik geht, ist mein Vater wie ein Kind im Spielzeugladen.
When it comes to technology, my father is like a child in a toy store.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'mit Kind und Kegel' (with the whole family) is a colloquial expression. It means that someone is traveling with the entire family and often with a lot of luggage as well.
EXAMPLE
Für den Urlaub an der Ostsee packen sie immer Kind und Kegel ein.
For their vacation on the Baltic Sea, they always pack up the whole family and everything else.
Compare with
Kind vs Sohn
son
'Kind' and 'Sohn' can both refer to a person in a family. 'Kind' is more general: it can be a boy or a girl, and it can also mean one's own son or daughter, regardless of age. 'Sohn' is more specific and always means a male child in relation to his parents. Learners may confuse the words because a son is also his parents' child. If gender is important, you say 'Sohn'; if you are talking generally about children or offspring, 'Kind' fits better.
Kind
Die Lehrerin spricht am Abend mit dem Kind über den neuen Kurs.
In the evening, the teacher talks with the child about the new course.
Sohn
Nach der Arbeit holt der Kunde seinen Sohn vom Fußballtraining ab.
After work, the customer picks up his son from soccer practice.
In real life
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