to cuddle
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to cuddle
To snuggle up to someone or something in order to feel or give warmth, security, or affection.
Am Sonntagabend kuscheln wir gerne auf dem Sofa und schauen einen Film.
On Sunday evenings, we like to cuddle on the sofa and watch a film.
'Kuscheln' (to cuddle) can be used with or without a reflexive pronoun, which slightly changes the meaning. 'Mit jemandem kuscheln' (to cuddle with someone) means a mutual action. 'Sich an jemanden kuscheln' (to snuggle up to someone) describes a one-sided movement toward someone.
Die Kinder kuscheln mit ihrem Vater auf dem Sofa.
The children are cuddling with their father on the sofa.
The preposition shows the type of relationship. You cuddle 'mit' (with) a person as a partner, 'an' (against/up to) a person or object as a direction, or 'in' (into) something soft.
Er kuschelt gerne mit seiner Katze.
He likes cuddling with his cat.
When 'kuscheln' (to cuddle) is used without a reflexive pronoun, it often describes a cozy, relaxed situation. Typical places for this are 'auf dem Sofa kuscheln' (to cuddle on the sofa) or 'im Bett kuscheln' (to cuddle in bed).
An kalten Wintertagen kuscheln wir oft im Bett und lesen.
On cold winter days, we often cuddle in bed and read.
to embrace / hug
'umarmen' and 'kuscheln' both have to do with physical closeness and affection. 'umarmen' is a single action: you take someone in your arms, for example to greet them, say goodbye, or comfort them. 'kuscheln' usually lasts longer and means snuggling close to someone or something, often because it feels warm and cozy. The words can be confused because both can be affectionate. If it is a short gesture with the arms, 'umarmen' fits. If it is about longer closeness and coziness, 'kuscheln' is the better choice.
Yusuf kuschelt abends gern mit seiner Katze auf dem Sofa.
Yusuf likes to cuddle with his cat on the sofa in the evening.
Nach dem Essen hat Lena ihre Freundin im Park lange umarmt.
After dinner, Lena hugged her friend in the park for a long time.