das Kindchen
little child
A small child; this diminutive form is usually used affectionately, tenderly, or to make the child seem small and cute.
EXAMPLE
Das Kindchen schlief friedlich in seinem Bett.
The little child slept peacefully in bed.
das Kindchen
little child
das Kindchen, die Kindchen
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Meanings
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Kindchen, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Kindchen |
| genitive | des Kindchens |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Kindchen | die Kindchen die Kinderchen |
| accusative | das Kindchen | die Kindchen die Kinderchen |
| dative | dem Kindchen | den Kindchen den Kinderchen |
| genitive | des Kindchens | der Kindchen der Kinderchen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Kindchen' (little child) consists of 'Kind' (child) and the diminutive suffix '-chen'. This suffix makes something seem smaller or expresses an affectionate, tender attitude.
EXAMPLE
Das Kindchen hielt seinen Teddybären fest.
The little child held a teddy bear tightly.
Affectionate tone
'Kindchen' (little child) is mostly used in affectionate language or language that makes someone seem small and cute, for example within a family. Depending on the situation, this form can also sound overly cutesy or condescending.
EXAMPLE
Komm her, mein Kindchen, ich lese dir noch eine Geschichte vor.
Come here, my little child, I'll read you one more story.
Typical collocations
'Kindchen' (little child) often appears with possessive determiners or evaluative adjectives, for example 'mein Kindchen' (my little child), 'armes Kindchen' (poor little child), or 'süßes Kindchen' (sweet little child). Such combinations reinforce the affectionate or sympathetic tone.
EXAMPLE
Das arme Kindchen war nach dem langen Spaziergang völlig müde.
The poor little child was completely worn out after the long walk.
In real life
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