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.
child / childhood
Relating to a child or coming from a child; concerning the phase of childhood.
Die kindliche Entwicklung verläuft in verschiedenen Phasen.
Child development takes place in different phases.
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.
childish
Kindisch and kindlich both describe qualities or behavior that remind you of a child. Kindisch is usually negative and refers to immaturity or silliness that is inappropriate for adults. Kindlich is usually neutral or positive and emphasizes innocence, naturalness, or playfulness.
Seine ehrliche Freude über den kleinen Sieg wirkte angenehm kindlich.
His honest delight at the small victory seemed pleasantly childlike.
Seine wütende Reaktion auf die kleine Niederlage war kindisch.
His angry reaction to the small defeat was childish.
