German word

Kleinkind

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈklaɪ̯nˌkɪnt/

Meaning

  • neuter nountoddler

Example

Das Kleinkind lacht.

The toddler is laughing.

Illustration for Kleinkind (toddler)

More examples

Beim Spaziergang schläft das Kleinkind im Wagen ein.

During the walk, the toddler falls asleep in the stroller.

Core concept

A little child on unsteady legs, moving beyond babyhood but not yet ready for school.

Common phrases

  • das Kleinkind trösten

    comfort the toddler

  • mit dem Kleinkind sprechen

    speak with the toddler

  • für das Kleinkind sorgen

    care for the toddler

Similar words

Baby: A baby still needing frequent feeding and close care.
Kind: A child from early childhood through the school years.
Vorschulkind: A child who has not yet started school.
Säugling: A newborn or young baby fed mainly on breast milk or formula.

Definition in German

Ein Kind, das noch nicht eingeschult ist und meist schon laufen kann; in der Regel etwa ein bis drei Jahre alt.

Word origin

Kleinkind is a transparent German compound of klein, meaning "small," and Kind, meaning "child."

Usage tips

  • Kleinkind is neuter, so the forms are das Kleinkind and die Kleinkinder in the plural.

Opposites

  • Erwachseneradultnoun

Related words

  • Kleinkindpflegetoddler carenoun
  • kleinkindgerechttoddler-friendlyadjective

Word lists with this word