to make out
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to make out
An informal expression for intense and passionate kissing, often over a longer period of time. It describes kissing that goes beyond a simple kiss on the mouth.
Die beiden saßen verliebt auf der Parkbank und knutschten ungestört.
The two of them sat in love on the park bench and made out undisturbed.
The verb 'knutschen' (to make out) can be used in different ways: without an object when two people are meant, reflexively with 'sich', or with an accusative object.
Auf der Party haben die beiden die ganze Zeit geknutscht.
At the party, the two of them were making out the whole time.
'Knutschen' (to make out) is a very informal, colloquial word. It is rarely used in formal or written contexts.
„Was habt ihr gestern gemacht?“ – „Wir waren im Kino und haben geknutscht.“
"What did you do yesterday?" – "We went to the movies and made out."
To describe the intensity, 'knutschen' (to make out) is often combined with adverbs such as 'wild' (wildly), 'heftig' (intensely), or 'leidenschaftlich' (passionately).
Die Teenager knutschten wild auf der Rückbank des Autos.
The teenagers were making out wildly in the back seat of the car.
to kiss
'küssen' and 'knutschen' both describe kisses between people. 'küssen' is neutral and can mean a short, tender, or even formal kiss, for example on the cheek or on the mouth. 'knutschen' is informal and usually means intense, longer, and passionate kissing. The words can be confused because both have to do with the lips. But 'knutschen' does not fit formal situations and sounds much more private. If you want to stay neutral, use 'küssen'. If it should sound casual and clearly passionate, 'knutschen' fits.
Auf der Party knutschen zwei Jugendliche in der Ecke.
At the party, two teenagers are making out in the corner.
Nach dem Gespräch küsst sie ihren Mann kurz zum Abschied.
After the conversation, she gives her husband a quick kiss goodbye.