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
das Küken
youngest member
A colloquial, often affectionate or slightly condescending term for a very young, inexperienced person.
EXAMPLE
Mit ihren 19 Jahren war sie das Küken in der Abteilung.
At 19, she was the youngest member of the department.
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.
In real life
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