der Kitzel
tickle
A particular sensation on the skin caused by tickling that often makes you want to laugh.
EXAMPLE
Der Kitzel an den Fußsohlen war für das Kind kaum auszuhalten.
The tickle on the soles of the child's feet was almost unbearable.
der Kitzel
tickle / thrill
der Kitzel, die Kitzel
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Meanings
der Kitzel
thrill
An exciting, tingling tension or a special appeal that makes something interesting.
EXAMPLE
Für ihn liegt der Kitzel des Bergsteigens in der Gefahr und der Unsicherheit.
For him, the thrill of mountaineering lies in the danger and uncertainty.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Kitzel, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Kitzel |
| genitive | des Kitzels |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Kitzel | die Kitzel |
| accusative | den Kitzel | die Kitzel |
| dative | dem Kitzel | den Kitzeln |
| genitive | des Kitzels | der Kitzel |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word family
'Kitzel' (tickle / thrill) belongs to the word family of 'kitzeln' (to tickle). The base word helps you understand the physical meaning as a sensation caused by tickling.
EXAMPLE
Der Kitzel an ihrem Nacken brachte sie sofort zum Lachen.
The tickle on her neck immediately made her laugh.
Context clue
When a body part or area of skin is mentioned, the physical sensation is meant. Words such as 'Abenteuer' (adventure), 'Gefahr' (danger), or 'Risiko' (risk), on the other hand, usually indicate the figurative meaning of an exciting thrill.
EXAMPLE
Der Kitzel an den Rippen war für ihn unangenehm.
The tickle on his ribs was unpleasant.
Der Kitzel des Risikos machte die Reise für sie besonders spannend.
The thrill of the risk made the trip especially exciting for her.
Typical collocations
In its figurative meaning, 'Kitzel' (thrill) often appears with words related to adventure and risk. Typical collocations are 'der Kitzel des Abenteuers' (the thrill of adventure), 'der Kitzel der Gefahr' (the thrill of danger), and 'einen besonderen Kitzel bieten' (to offer a special thrill).
EXAMPLE
Der Kitzel des Abenteuers lockte ihn immer wieder in unbekannte Länder.
The thrill of adventure kept drawing him back to unknown countries.
In real life
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