German word

klettern

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈklɛtɐn/

Meaning

  • verbclimb

Example

Kinder klettern gern auf Bäume.

Children like climbing trees.

Illustration for klettern (climb)

More examples

Bei der Reparatur klettert er auf die Leiter.

During the repair, he climbs onto the ladder.

Core concept

Children or adults clamber up a tree, wall, or rock by gripping surfaces and pushing with their feet.

Common phrases

  • klettern an der Kletterwand

    climb on the climbing wall

  • klettern auf die Leiter

    climb onto the ladder

Similar words

steigen: Rise or ascend to a higher place, position, or level.
hinaufgehen: Go on foot from a lower location toward a higher one.

Definition in German

Mit Händen und Füßen an Felsen, Bäumen oder Griffen nach oben gehen oder sich hinaufziehen.

Word origin

Klettern is an old Germanic verb recorded as Middle High German kletern; no secure simpler source explains the earlier form.

Usage tips

  • Klettern focuses on hands-and-feet movement and therefore differs from steigen, which more broadly covers ascending stairs, ladders, or other routes.

Other meanings

  • clamberverb

Opposites

Related words

  • das Kletternclimbingnoun
  • die Klettertechnikclimbing techniquenoun

Word lists with this word