klettern
to climb
To move upward on something or over something with the help of hands and feet.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder lieben es, auf den großen Felsen im Park zu klettern.
The children love climbing on the big rocks in the park.
klettern
to climb
klettern – kletterte – ist geklettert
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Meanings
klettern
to climb / rise
To rise or increase in a figurative sense, especially with prices, temperatures, or values.
EXAMPLE
Die Temperaturen klettern diese Woche auf über 30 Grad.
Temperatures are climbing to over 30 degrees this week.
klettern
to climb
To move up in a hierarchy or ranking.
EXAMPLE
Der Verein kletterte in der Tabelle auf den zweiten Platz.
The club climbed to second place in the table.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry klettern, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Present
| ich | klettere klettre |
|---|---|
| du | kletterst |
| er/sie/es | klettert |
| wir | klettern |
| ihr | klettert |
| sie | klettern |
Simple past
| ich | kletterte |
|---|---|
| du | klettertest |
| er/sie/es | kletterte |
| wir | kletterten |
| ihr | klettertet |
| sie | kletterten |
Perfect
with sein
| ich | bin geklettert |
|---|---|
| du | bist geklettert |
| er/sie/es | ist geklettert |
| wir | sind geklettert |
| ihr | seid geklettert |
| sie | sind geklettert |
Commands
| du | kletter! klettere!, klettre! |
|---|---|
| ihr | klettert! |
| Sie | klettern Sie! |
Past perfect
| ich | war geklettert |
|---|---|
| du | warst geklettert |
| er/sie/es | war geklettert |
| wir | waren geklettert |
| ihr | wart geklettert |
| sie | waren geklettert |
Future
| ich | werde klettern |
|---|---|
| du | wirst klettern |
| er/sie/es | wird klettern |
| wir | werden klettern |
| ihr | werdet klettern |
| sie | werden klettern |
Subjunctive I
| ich | klettere klettre |
|---|---|
| du | kletterst |
| er/sie/es | klettere klettre |
| wir | klettern |
| ihr | klettert |
| sie | klettern |
Used for reported speech.
Subjunctive II
| ich | kletterte |
|---|---|
| du | klettertest |
| er/sie/es | kletterte |
| wir | kletterten |
| ihr | klettertet |
| sie | kletterten |
Used for wishes and “would”.
Other forms
| infinitive | klettern |
|---|---|
| with zu | zu klettern |
| present participle | kletternd |
| past participle | geklettert |
Usage tips
Perfect tense with 'sein'
Since 'klettern' (to climb) describes movement from one place to another, the perfect tense is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be). A common mistake is using 'haben' (to have).
EXAMPLE
Wir sind am Wochenende in den Alpen geklettert.
We went climbing in the Alps at the weekend.
Correct preposition
When climbing, prepositions that indicate direction are important. You climb 'auf' (onto/up) a mountain, 'über' (over) a wall, or 'durch' (through) a window.
EXAMPLE
Die Katze ist auf das Dach geklettert.
The cat climbed onto the roof.
Figurative meaning
In a figurative sense, 'klettern' (to climb) is used for numbers, prices, or temperatures that are rising. It describes a continuous increase, often with the preposition 'auf' (to) for the value reached.
EXAMPLE
Die Benzinpreise sind auf ein neues Rekordhoch geklettert.
Gasoline prices have climbed to a new record high.
Fixed expression
In a professional context, the fixed expression 'die Karriereleiter hochklettern' (to climb the career ladder) is often used. It means to advance professionally and reach a higher position.
EXAMPLE
Er hat hart gearbeitet, um die Karriereleiter so schnell hochzuklettern.
He worked hard to climb the career ladder so quickly.
Compare with
klettern vs steigen
to rise / climb
“Steigen” and “klettern” can both be used with prices, temperatures, and other values. “Steigen” describes the increase neutrally, while “klettern” usually makes it sound more vivid and noticeable. “Steigen” is more suitable for factual reports; with a remarkable or sharp increase, “klettern” can emphasize the effect.
klettern
Die Benzinpreise klettern kurz vor den Ferien deutlich nach oben.
Gasoline prices are climbing noticeably just before the holidays.
steigen
Die Benzinpreise steigen in dieser Woche leicht.
Gasoline prices are rising slightly this week.
In real life
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