German word

küssen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈkʏsn̩/

Meaning

  • verbkiss

Example

Ich küsse dich.

I kiss you.

Illustration for küssen (kiss)

More examples

Die Freunde küssen sich zur Begrüßung.

The friends kiss each other in greeting.

Core concept

A short lip contact conveys affection, intimacy, or a social greeting between people.

Common phrases

  • jemanden auf den Mund küssen

    kiss someone on the mouth

  • sich küssen

    kiss each other

  • zum Abschied küssen

    kiss goodbye

Similar words

bussieren: A polite, gentle kiss is usually placed on the cheek or hand.
knutschen: Long, passionate kissing involves sustained contact between the lips or mouth.
umarmen: A close embrace with both arms conveys warmth, comfort, or affection.
streicheln: A gentle touch of the hand on someone's body or hair conveys tenderness.

Definition in German

Mit den Lippen kurz Kontakt zu einer anderen Person herstellen, meist als Ausdruck von Zuneigung oder Begrüßung.

Word origin

Küssen is an inherited Germanic verb, cognate with English kiss rather than a later borrowing from another language.

Usage tips

  • The phrase "Ich küsse dich" usually sounds strongly intimate, while a greeting is more often described as "ein Kuss auf die Wange" or expressed verbally.

Opposites

Related words

  • der Kusskissnoun
  • das Küssenkissingnoun

Word lists with this word