01
das Küken
chick
The young of a bird, especially a chicken, shortly after hatching.
example
Im Frühling liefen die kleinen Küken aufgeregt ihrer Mutter hinterher.
In spring, the little chicks excitedly ran after their mother.
das Küken
chick
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Diminutive ending
The ending '-ken' is a northern German diminutive form, similar to '-chen' or '-lein'. It signals that something is small or young, which fits the meaning 'young bird'.
EXAMPLE
Die Glucke passt gut auf ihre kleinen Küken auf.
The mother hen takes good care of her little chicks.
Context clue
Context tells you whether a young bird or a young person is meant. If people are talking about animals, the literal meaning is intended. In a social context such as a team or family, 'Küken' (chick / youngest member) refers to the youngest and most inexperienced person.
EXAMPLE
Mit 20 Jahren ist er das Küken in unserer Fußballmannschaft.
At 20, he is the youngest member of our football team.
Register and style
The figurative meaning for a young person is colloquial. Depending on the situation, the expression can sound affectionate and caring, but also slightly condescending.
EXAMPLE
Als neues Küken im Büro bekam sie von allen Kollegen Hilfe angeboten.
As the new young member in the office, she was offered help by all her colleagues.
Compare with
Küken vs Anfänger
beginner
'Anfänger' and 'Küken' can both refer to an inexperienced person. 'Anfänger' is neutral and factual: the person is just starting an activity. 'Küken' is colloquial and usually refers to a very young or new person in a group. It can sound affectionate, but also slightly condescending. That is why 'Anfänger' fits better in neutral situations, for example in a course. 'Küken' is used more casually among acquaintances or in a team.
Küken
Im Team ist Max noch das Küken, weil er erst seit einer Woche dabei ist.
Max is still the youngest member of the team because he has only been there for a week.
Anfänger
Für Anfänger erklärt die Trainerin jede Übung sehr langsam.
For beginners, the trainer explains every exercise very slowly.
In real life
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