German word

Kindergarten

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈkɪndɐˌgaʁtn̩/

Meaning

  • masculine nounkindergarten

Example

Im Kindergarten spielen die Kinder zusammen.

The children play together at kindergarten.

Illustration for Kindergarten (kindergarten)

More examples

Die Kinder treffen sich morgen im Kindergarten.

The children will meet at kindergarten tomorrow.

Core concept

A shared garden-like place where young children grow through play, language, and contact with others.

Common phrases

  • im Kindergarten spielen

    play in kindergarten

  • in den Kindergarten gehen

    go to kindergarten

  • einen Platz im Kindergarten bekommen

    get a place in kindergarten

Similar words

Kita: A daycare facility providing daytime care, play, and daily routines for young children.
Schule: A school for formal education in reading, writing, mathematics, and other subjects.
Krippe: A facility caring for infants and toddlers up to age three through routines and simple play.
Hort: An after-school facility providing care, homework support, and play for primary school children.

Definition in German

Kindergarten ist ein Ort für Kinder vor der Schule, wo sie betreut werden, spielen und erste soziale sowie sprachliche Fähigkeiten erwerben.

Word origin

The compound combines German Kinder, meaning 'children', and Garten, meaning 'garden'; Friedrich Fröbel coined it in 1840 for his child-centered educational idea.

Usage tips

  • Kindergarten is masculine: der Kindergarten, with plural die Kindergärten; destination uses in den Kindergarten, while location uses im Kindergarten.

Opposites

Related words

  • Kindergärtnermale kindergarten teachernoun
  • Kindergartenplatzkindergarten placenoun
  • Kindergartenleiterkindergarten directornoun

Word lists with this word