childlike / childhood
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childlike
Showing the qualities of a child, such as innocence, naïveté, or playfulness. This description is usually meant neutrally or positively.
Sie hat sich ihre kindliche Neugier bis ins hohe Alter bewahrt.
She has preserved her childlike curiosity into old age.
The adjective 'kindlich' (childlike/child) is derived from the noun 'das Kind' (the child). The ending '-lich' often means 'like' or 'relating to', so 'like a child' or 'relating to a child'.
Er hat einen sehr kindlichen Humor.
He has a very childlike sense of humor.
You can often recognize this meaning because 'kindlich' (childlike) describes positive qualities in adults. Typical combinations are 'kindliche Freude' (childlike joy), 'kindliche Neugier' (childlike curiosity), or 'kindlicher Glaube' (childlike faith).
Trotz seines Alters hat er sich eine kindliche Freude am Leben bewahrt.
Despite his age, he has preserved a childlike joy in life.
In this meaning, 'kindlich' (child/childhood) is often used in a scientific or formal context to describe phenomena of childhood. It refers to the developmental phase, not to character.
Die Studie untersucht die kindliche Wahrnehmung von Farben.
The study examines children's perception of colors.
naive
'naiv' and 'kindlich' can both describe a kind of innocence. However, 'naiv' is often meant critically: someone believes things too easily or does not understand the danger. 'kindlich' is usually neutral or positive and describes qualities such as innocence, joy, or playfulness. It does not have to mean that someone is stupid or careless. The words can be confused because both bring children to mind. If the lack of caution is important, you say 'naiv'. If something seems innocent or playful, 'kindlich' fits better.
Meine Freundin hat eine kindliche Freude, wenn sie Schnee sieht.
My friend has a childlike joy when she sees snow.
Im Zug war sie naiv und ließ ihre Tasche offen neben der Tür stehen.
On the train, she was naive and left her bag open next to the door.