German word

kicken

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈkɪkən/

Meaning

  • verbplay soccer

Example

Am Nachmittag kicken die Kinder auf dem Bolzplatz.

In the afternoon, the children play soccer on the local field.

Illustration for kicken (play soccer)

More examples

Samstags kicken wir im Verein.

On Saturdays, we play soccer for the club.

Core concept

Players move a ball with their feet in a casual game.

Common phrases

  • auf dem Bolzplatz kicken

    play soccer on the dirt lot

  • im Verein kicken

    play soccer for a club

  • mit Jugendlichen kicken

    play soccer with teenagers

  • barfuß kicken

    play soccer barefoot

Similar words

Fußball spielen: Practicing or playing soccer as part of an organized team or match.
bolzen: Playing around by kicking a ball with friends in an informal setting.
spielen: Enjoying a game or sport through physical activity and the use of equipment.
treten: Striking an object or ball hard with the foot.

Definition in German

Umgangssprachlich Fußball spielen oder allgemein den Ball mit dem Fuß spielen

Word origin

German borrowed English kick and added the German verb ending -en, extending the act of kicking to playing soccer.

Usage tips

  • Kicken is colloquial, while Fußball spielen is the neutral choice in formal contexts.

Other meanings

  • kickverb

Related words

  • der Kickthrillnoun

Word lists with this word