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A2 verb #10,000 most common 11 min read

kitten

Top 10,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips kitten in 30 Seconds

Explanation kitten in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'kitten' is not a core vocabulary word, but it is useful to recognize as a verb for fixing things. Think of it as a specific way to say 'repair' or 'glue'. Imagine you have a broken glass or a window that needs fixing. You use a special paste called 'Kitt' to do this. The most important thing for A1 learners is to not confuse it with the English word for a baby cat! In German, 'kitten' is an action word. You might see it in simple stories about a handyman or a person fixing a vase. Even if you don't use it yourself yet, knowing that it means 'to fix with putty' helps you understand more complex German sentences later on. Focus on the basic idea: something is broken, and you are using paste to fill the crack.

At the A2 level, you should start to understand how 'kitten' is used in daily life, especially for home repairs. You will learn that it is a regular verb, but it needs an extra 'e' in forms like 'er kittet'. You can use it when talking about DIY projects or housework. For example, 'Ich kitte das Fenster' (I am sealing the window). You should also be aware that Germans use this word when they talk about fixing a friendship or a marriage that is having problems. This is a very common way to use the word. At this level, try to remember the connection between the physical act of filling a crack and the emotional act of fixing a relationship. It is a transitive verb, so it always needs an object (what are you fixing?).

By B1, you should be comfortable using 'kitten' in both its literal and metaphorical senses. You will encounter it in magazines, news articles, and advice columns. You should understand the nuance: 'kitten' is not just 'to repair' (reparieren), but specifically to fill a gap or bond something fragile. In professional contexts, you might see it used in descriptions of old building restoration. In social contexts, you will hear it in discussions about reconciliation. You should be able to use it in different tenses, such as the perfect tense ('Wir haben die Beziehung gekittet') or with modal verbs ('Wir müssen den Riss kitten'). You should also start to distinguish it from similar verbs like 'abdichten' (to seal) or 'leimen' (to glue with wood glue).

At the B2 level, you should appreciate the stylistic value of 'kitten'. It is a word that carries a sense of traditional craftsmanship. Using it instead of a generic word like 'reparieren' shows a higher command of the language. You will see it used in literature and more sophisticated journalism to describe complex social or political repairs. You should understand that 'kitten' can sometimes imply a 'patchwork' fix—meaning the repair is visible or the relationship is still fragile. You should also be familiar with the noun 'Kitt' and how it appears in compound words like 'Fensterkitt' or 'Glaserkitt'. Your ability to use 'kitten' metaphorically in a debate or a formal letter about social cohesion would demonstrate advanced proficiency.

At the C1 level, 'kitten' becomes a tool for nuanced expression. You should be able to identify its use in high-level literature where it might symbolize the desperate attempt to hold together a crumbling society or a shattered psyche. You understand the historical and cultural connotations of the word—linked to German 'Handwerk' (craftsmanship) and the post-war era of 'Wiederaufbau' (reconstruction). You can use it with precision to describe the subtle differences between sealing, bonding, and mending. You should also be aware of its rare uses in technical jargon related to materials science or archaeology. At this level, the metaphorical use should feel natural to you, and you can use it to add color and depth to your speaking and writing.

For C2 learners, 'kitten' is a word you can use with total mastery of its connotations. You understand its place in the history of the German language and can perhaps even recognize regional variations in its use. You can interpret its use in complex philosophical or sociological texts, where 'the Kitt that holds society together' (der Kitt, der die Gesellschaft zusammenhält) is a common metaphor for shared values. You can use the verb 'kitten' ironically or with poetic flair. You are also fully aware of its etymology and how it relates to other Germanic languages. In your own production, you use 'kitten' to evoke specific imagery of manual care and painstaking restoration, whether you are discussing a literal antique or a metaphorical rift in time.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

kitten in 30 Seconds

Kitten is a German verb meaning to seal with putty or to mend a broken object like a vase.
It is frequently used metaphorically to describe mending a broken relationship or friendship after a conflict.
Grammatically, it is a regular weak verb, but requires an extra 'e' in certain conjugated forms (e.g., er kittet).
It is a 'false friend' to English speakers; it does not mean a young cat, which is 'Kätzchen' in German.

The German verb kitten is a specialized term that originates from the world of craftsmanship and repair. At its core, it refers to the physical act of using Kitt (putty or lute) to fill gaps, seal joints, or bond materials together. Historically, this was most common in glazier work, where a mixture of linseed oil and chalk was used to fix glass panes into wooden window frames. When a German speaker says they are 'kitten', they are describing a process of restoration that is more substantial than simple gluing but more delicate than heavy construction. It implies filling a void to make something whole or functional again. In modern times, while synthetic sealants have largely replaced traditional putty in industrial contexts, the word remains firmly lodged in the German vocabulary, particularly in DIY circles and antique restoration. However, the most frequent use of 'kitten' today is actually metaphorical. Just as putty fills the cracks in a broken window, 'kitten' is used to describe the act of 'mending' or 'patching up' human relationships, especially after a fight or a period of estrangement. It suggests a conscious effort to repair damage and hold things together that might otherwise fall apart.

Technical Application: The process of sealing a window pane into a frame using a specialized paste.
Metaphorical Application: Attempting to save a failing relationship or friendship through compromise and repair.
Material Focus: Involves materials like putty, resin, or specialized adhesives used for ceramics and stone.

Der Handwerker muss die alten Scheiben neu kitten, damit es im Winter nicht zieht.

Translation: The craftsman must re-putty the old panes so that there is no draft in winter.

Sie versuchen verzweifelt, ihre Ehe noch einmal zu kitten.

Translation: They are desperately trying to mend their marriage once more.

The cultural weight of 'kitten' comes from the idea of preservation. It is not about buying something new; it is about valuing what is old or broken enough to put in the work to fix it. In a world of disposable goods, 'kitten' represents a more traditional, sustainable approach to both objects and interpersonal connections. It is a word of patience and manual care. You will hear it in workshops, in old houses, and in the quiet conversations of people trying to reconcile. It is distinct from 'reparieren' (to repair) because 'reparieren' is generic, while 'kitten' specifically implies filling a crack or a gap with a bonding substance. In literature, it often serves as a powerful verb for healing societal rifts or emotional wounds that are deep but not yet terminal. Understanding 'kitten' allows you to appreciate the nuance of German craftsmanship and the emotional depth of German idioms regarding the 'cracks' in our lives.

Using kitten correctly requires understanding its transitive nature. It almost always takes a direct object—the thing that is being sealed or mended. Whether you are talking about a physical window or a metaphorical friendship, the structure remains consistent. In the physical sense, the object is usually something made of glass, porcelain, stone, or wood. You 'kittet' the object itself, or you 'kittet' the crack within the object. For example, 'Ich kitte die Vase' (I am puttying/gluing the vase) or 'Ich kitte den Riss' (I am sealing the crack). When used metaphorically, the object is typically a relationship noun like 'Ehe' (marriage), 'Beziehung' (relationship), or 'Freundschaft' (friendship). It is important to note that 'kitten' implies a certain level of fragility. You don't 'kitten' a car engine; you 'kitten' things that can have cracks filled.

Present Tense: Ich kitte das Fenster. (I am sealing the window.)
Perfect Tense: Wir haben den Riss gekittet. (We have sealed the crack.)
Infinitive with 'zu': Es ist schwer, eine kaputte Beziehung zu kitten. (It is difficult to mend a broken relationship.)

Könntest du bitte den Spalt am Fensterrahmen kitten?

Translation: Could you please seal the gap on the window frame with putty?

In more complex sentence structures, you might see 'kitten' used in the passive voice, particularly in technical manuals or historical descriptions. 'Die Fugen wurden sorgfältig gekittet' (The joints were carefully sealed). It is also common in the subjunctive (Konjunktiv II) when discussing hypothetical repairs: 'Wenn wir die Beziehung kitten könnten, würden wir es tun' (If we could mend the relationship, we would do it). One stylistic nuance to keep in mind is that 'kitten' often carries a connotation of 'patchwork'. While it means to fix, it sometimes suggests that the repair is visible or that the thing was once broken. This is why, in a relationship context, 'kitten' can sometimes sound a bit desperate or temporary, as if one is just trying to hold the pieces together rather than achieving a perfect, new-like state. However, in the context of high-quality restoration, it implies professional skill and the use of traditional methods. Always consider the context to determine if the speaker means a 'quick fix' or a 'skilled restoration'.

While 'kitten' might seem like an obscure technical verb, you will encounter it in several specific areas of German life. The most common place is within the context of Altbausanierung (renovation of old buildings). Germany has a vast number of historical buildings with original wooden windows. If you are watching a DIY show on German television or reading a blog about home improvement, the term 'Fenster kitten' will appear frequently. It refers to the specific task of removing old, brittle putty and applying fresh linseed oil putty. You might also hear it in museums or antique shops. If a valuable porcelain plate has been restored, the expert might explain how they 'gekittet' the pieces back together using specialized resins that mimic the original material. This use emphasizes the craftsmanship involved in preserving heritage.

In der Restaurierungswerkstatt werden antike Vasen fachmännisch gekittet.

Translation: In the restoration workshop, antique vases are professionally mended with putty/adhesive.

Beyond the physical, 'kitten' is a staple of German 'Ratgeber' (advice) culture. Open any lifestyle magazine like Brigitte or Psychologie Heute, and you will likely find articles with titles such as 'Kann man eine zerbrochene Freundschaft wieder kitten?' (Can a broken friendship be mended?). In this sphere, the word is used to discuss the emotional labor of reconciliation. It is also used in political discourse. When a coalition government is having internal conflicts, journalists might write about 'den Riss in der Koalition kitten' (mending the rift in the coalition). This metaphorical usage is so common that many younger Germans might actually be more familiar with the relationship-mending sense of the word than the actual physical act of puttying a window. You will also find it in literature, where it serves as a evocative verb for trying to fix something that is fundamentally damaged, often with a sense of melancholy or hard-earned hope.

DIY & Craft: Instructions for fixing windows, ceramics, or stone tiles.
Journalism: Describing political alliances or social reconciliations.
Psychology: Advice on mending marriages or family disputes.

The single most common mistake for English speakers learning German is the 'false friend' trap. In English, a 'kitten' is a young cat. In German, a young cat is a 'Kätzchen' or 'Jungkatze'. The German verb kitten has absolutely nothing to do with small felines. Beginners often see the word and think of pets, which can lead to very confusing sentences. For example, saying 'Ich möchte das kitten' when you mean 'I want the kitten' is grammatically and semantically wrong; you would be saying 'I want to putty that'. Always remember: 'Kitten' is a verb of repair, not a noun for an animal. Another mistake is using 'kitten' as a general synonym for 'kleben' (to glue). While they are related, 'kitten' specifically implies using a thick substance to fill a gap or seal a joint. You wouldn't use 'kitten' to stick a stamp on an envelope; that is strictly 'kleben'.

Falsch: Ich habe ein süßes kitten gekauft. (Incorrect use as a noun)

Correct: Ich habe ein süßes Kätzchen gekauft.

Another nuance is the conjugation. Because the verb stem 'kitt-' ends in a 't', learners often forget to insert the connecting 'e' in the second and third person singular and second person plural. It is 'du kittest' (not 'du kittst') and 'er kittet' (not 'er kitt'). This is a common rule for verbs ending in -t or -d, but it is easy to forget in the heat of conversation. Furthermore, some learners over-apply the metaphorical sense. While you can 'kitten' a relationship, you generally don't 'kitten' a broken computer or a car. For electronics or machinery, the correct verb is 'reparieren'. Using 'kitten' for a computer would sound like you are literally trying to put putty inside the hardware, which would be quite strange! Stick to fragile materials (glass, ceramic) or human connections when using this verb.

False Friend: Confusing the verb 'kitten' with the English noun for a young cat.
Overgeneralization: Using 'kitten' for mechanical or electronic repairs where 'reparieren' is needed.
Conjugation Errors: Forgetting the extra 'e' in forms like 'er kittet' or 'ihr kittet'.

To truly master 'kitten', you should understand how it sits within a family of related verbs. The most common alternative is kleben (to glue/stick). While 'kitten' involves a thick filler, 'kleben' is the general term for using any adhesive. If you break a plastic toy, you 'klebst' it. If you are sealing a drafty window with putty, you 'kittest' it. Another close relative is abdichten (to seal/waterproof). 'Abdichten' is a broader term that could involve putty, silicone, or even rubber seals. It focuses on the result (making it airtight or watertight) rather than the specific material used. You 'abdichtest' a shower or a roof. In the world of repair, you also have flicken (to patch/mend). 'Flicken' is typically used for textiles, like patching a hole in your jeans, or for simple, makeshift repairs. It has a slightly more 'informal' or 'temporary' feel than the professional 'kitten'.

kitten vs. kleben: 'Kitten' uses a filler/putty; 'kleben' uses a thin adhesive.
kitten vs. abdichten: 'Kitten' is the specific method; 'abdichten' is the general goal of sealing.
kitten vs. flicken: 'Kitten' is for hard materials/relationships; 'flicken' is for fabric/holes.

Statt die Vase zu kitten, hat er sie einfach mit Sekundenkleber geklebt.

Translation: Instead of puttying/restoring the vase, he simply glued it with superglue.

In metaphorical contexts, you might use einrenken (to set right/straighten out). This is often used for disputes: 'Wir müssen die Sache wieder einrenken'. It comes from the medical term for setting a dislocated bone. While 'kitten' focuses on mending a crack, 'einrenken' focuses on putting things back in their proper place. There is also versöhnen (to reconcile), which is the most direct way to talk about making peace. 'Sich versöhnen' is the act of two people coming back together, whereas 'eine Beziehung kitten' is the specific effort to fix the damage within that relationship. Finally, ausbessern (to touch up/mend) is used for minor repairs, like fixing a small chip in paint or a small error in a text. Choosing between these words depends on whether you want to emphasize the material used, the goal of the repair, or the emotional weight of the situation.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word is a distant relative of the English word 'clay' and 'glue', all coming from the Proto-Indo-European root *gleit- (to slime, to smear, to stick).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈkɪtn̩/

US /ˈkɪtn̩/

The stress is on the first syllable: KIT-ten.

Rhymes With

bitten ritten schlitten mitten glitten erlitten beschnitten umstritten

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like the English word 'kitten' (with a soft 't' or flap).
Making the 'i' sound too long like 'ee'.
Pronouncing the 'en' too clearly as 'en' instead of a reduced 'n'.
Confusing the verb 'kitten' with the noun 'Kitten' (which is the plural of 'Kitt' in some dialects, though rare).
Failing to aspirate the initial 'k'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to understand in context, but the metaphorical use requires some cultural knowledge.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct conjugation (extra 'e') and knowledge of transitive objects.

Speaking 4/5

Pronunciation is key to avoid confusion with the English word 'kitten'.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it recognizable, though speed can hide the 'tt' sound.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

reparieren kaputt das Fenster die Vase kleben

Learn Next

abdichten versiegeln die Versöhnung das Handwerk der Riss

Advanced

die Altbausanierung der gesellschaftliche Zusammenhalt die Zerrüttung die Instandsetzung lutherische Kittung (specific historical term)

Grammar to Know

Weak Verb Conjugation

Ich kittete, du kittetest, er kittete.

Connecting 'e' for stems ending in -t

Du kitt-e-st, er kitt-e-t.

Transitive Verbs and Accusative Case

Ich kitte den (Akk.) Riss.

Participle II formation with 'ge-' and '-t'

Ich habe gekittet.

Passive Voice with 'werden'

Das Fenster wird gekittet.

Examples by Level

Ich kitte die Vase.

I am puttying/mending the vase.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

Er kittet das Fenster.

He is sealing the window with putty.

Note the extra 'e' in 'kittet'.

Wir kitten das Loch.

We are sealing the hole.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

Kittest du das Glas?

Are you sealing the glass?

Question form, 2nd person singular.

Sie kitten die Risse.

They are sealing the cracks.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

Das ist Kitt zum Kitten.

That is putty for sealing.

Infinitive used as a noun/purpose.

Kitte bitte die Tasse!

Please mend the cup!

Imperative form.

Ich kann das kitten.

I can seal/mend that.

Used with modal verb 'kann'.

Der Glaser hat das Fenster gekittet.

The glazier sealed the window with putty.

Perfect tense with 'haben' and 'gekittet'.

Sie wollen ihre Freundschaft kitten.

They want to mend their friendship.

Metaphorical use with modal verb 'wollen'.

Man muss den Stein vorsichtig kitten.

One must seal the stone carefully.

Impersonal 'man' and adverb 'vorsichtig'.

Warum kittest du die Schüssel nicht?

Why don't you mend the bowl?

Interrogative with negation.

Ich kitte die Fugen im Bad.

I am sealing the joints in the bathroom.

Plural object 'die Fugen'.

Kittete er gestern den Rahmen?

Did he seal the frame yesterday?

Präteritum (Simple Past) form.

Wir müssen die kaputte Ehe kitten.

We must mend the broken marriage.

Metaphorical use, strong modal 'müssen'.

Das gekittete Fenster ist jetzt dicht.

The puttied window is now airtight.

Participle used as an adjective.

Es ist schwierig, eine Beziehung nach einem Betrug zu kitten.

It is difficult to mend a relationship after a betrayal.

Infinitive clause with 'zu'.

Früher kittete man Fenster mit Leinölkitt.

In the past, windows were puttied with linseed oil putty.

Präteritum with 'man' for historical context.

Wenn du die Vase kittest, sieht man den Riss kaum noch.

If you mend the vase, you can hardly see the crack anymore.

Conditional sentence with 'wenn'.

Die Regierung versucht, den Riss in der Koalition zu kitten.

The government is trying to mend the rift in the coalition.

Political metaphorical use.

Nach dem Streit haben sie ihre Probleme gekittet.

After the argument, they patched up their problems.

Perfect tense, metaphorical.

Kitten erfordert viel Geduld und eine ruhige Hand.

Puttying/Mending requires a lot of patience and a steady hand.

Gerund-like use of the infinitive as a subject.

Ich werde den Rahmen morgen neu kitten.

I will re-putty the frame tomorrow.

Future tense with 'werden'.

Anstatt es zu kitten, hat er es weggeworfen.

Instead of mending it, he threw it away.

Prepositional infinitive with 'anstatt'.

In der Restaurierung werden Fragmente mit Spezialharz gekittet.

In restoration, fragments are mended with special resin.

Passive voice, present tense.

Trotz aller Bemühungen ließ sich das Tischtuch nicht mehr kitten.

Despite all efforts, the rift could no longer be mended.

Reflexive 'lassen' construction for possibility.

Der Handwerker kittete die Fugen so geschickt, dass sie unsichtbar waren.

The craftsman sealed the joints so skillfully that they were invisible.

Consecutive clause with 'so... dass'.

Es bedarf mehr als nur schöner Worte, um dieses Vertrauen zu kitten.

It takes more than just beautiful words to mend this trust.

Abstract metaphorical use with 'Vertrauen'.

Die zerbrochene Gesellschaft muss mühsam wieder gekittet werden.

The broken society must be painstakingly mended again.

Passive voice with modal verb 'müssen'.

Er hatte die Hoffnung, die alte Freundschaft noch einmal kitten zu können.

He had the hope of being able to mend the old friendship once more.

Double infinitive construction.

Durch das Kitten der Fenster sparen wir Heizkosten.

By puttying the windows, we save on heating costs.

Nominalized verb after 'durch'.

Das mühsam gekittete Bündnis hielt nicht lange.

The painstakingly mended alliance did not last long.

Participle used as an attributive adjective.

Die Diplomaten arbeiteten fieberhaft daran, das zerrüttete Verhältnis zu kitten.

The diplomats worked feverishly to mend the shattered relationship.

Advanced vocabulary like 'fieberhaft' and 'zerrüttet'.

In seinem Roman thematisiert der Autor den Versuch, eine verlorene Identität zu kitten.

In his novel, the author addresses the attempt to mend a lost identity.

Highly abstract/literary use.

Das fachgerechte Kitten von historischem Glas erfordert jahrelange Erfahrung.

The professional puttying of historical glass requires years of experience.

Complex nominal phrase.

Oft wird nur oberflächlich gekittet, anstatt die Wurzel des Problems anzugehen.

Often, only a superficial mend is made instead of addressing the root of the problem.

Passive voice with adverbial modification.

Die Scherben seines Lebens ließen sich nicht einfach wieder zusammenkitten.

The shards of his life could not simply be puttied back together.

Compound verb 'zusammenkitten' in reflexive use.

Man versuchte, die ideologischen Gräben innerhalb der Partei zu kitten.

They tried to mend the ideological rifts within the party.

Metaphorical 'Gräben' (trenches/rifts).

Das Kitten der sozialen Risse ist die größte Herausforderung unserer Zeit.

Mending social rifts is the greatest challenge of our time.

Genitive case 'der sozialen Risse'.

Trotz des gekitteten Schadens blieb eine feine Narbe auf dem Porzellan sichtbar.

Despite the mended damage, a fine scar remained visible on the porcelain.

Concessive preposition 'trotz'.

Die fragile Architektur des Friedensvertrages musste mit diplomatischem Geschick gekittet werden.

The fragile architecture of the peace treaty had to be mended with diplomatic skill.

Elevated metaphorical language.

Es ist ein Trugschluss zu glauben, dass sich jede moralische Verfehlung einfach kitten ließe.

It is a fallacy to believe that every moral lapse could simply be mended.

Subjunctive II 'ließe' for hypothetical fallacy.

Die Restauratorin verstand es meisterhaft, die antiken Mosaike zu kitten, ohne deren Aura zu zerstören.

The restorer masterfully knew how to mend the ancient mosaics without destroying their aura.

Infinitive construction with 'ohne... zu'.

In der Postmoderne wird oft das Fragmentarische betont, anstatt das Ganze kitten zu wollen.

In postmodernism, the fragmentary is often emphasized instead of wanting to mend the whole.

Philosophical context.

Das mühselige Kitten der zerbrochenen Träume nahm Jahrzehnte in Anspruch.

The arduous mending of broken dreams took decades.

Poetic metaphorical use.

Man kann den Kitt der Gesellschaft nicht künstlich herstellen; er muss organisch wachsen.

You cannot artificially produce the putty/glue of society; it must grow organically.

Playing with the noun 'Kitt' and the concept of growth.

Die gekitteten Stellen zeugten von einer bewegten Geschichte des Objekts.

The mended spots bore witness to a turbulent history of the object.

Verb 'zeugen von' with genitive/dative.

Obwohl das Bündnis gekittet schien, brodelte es unter der Oberfläche weiter.

Although the alliance seemed mended, it continued to simmer beneath the surface.

Concessive clause with 'obwohl'.

Common Collocations

Fenster kitten

eine Beziehung kitten

eine Ehe kitten

Risse kitten

Porzellan kitten

den Spalt kitten

mühsam kitten

notdürftig kitten

einen Streit kitten

Scherben kitten

Common Phrases

etwas wieder kitten

— To fix something that was broken, usually a relationship.

Sie versuchen, alles wieder zu kitten.

den Kitt anrühren

— Literally to mix the putty; figuratively to prepare for a repair.

Der Glaser rührt den Kitt an.

neu kitten

— To redo the putty work on something.

Die alten Fenster müssen neu gekittet werden.

fachmännisch kitten

— To repair something with professional skill.

Die Vase wurde fachmännisch gekittet.

kaum zu kitten

— Almost impossible to repair or mend.

Dieser Bruch ist kaum zu kitten.

provisorisch kitten

— To make a temporary repair with putty or adhesive.

Ich habe den Riss provisorisch gekittet.

zusammenkitten

— To putty or bond pieces back together into a whole.

Er kittet die Teile wieder zusammen.

den Kitt aus den Fenstern fressen

— An idiom meaning to be extremely poor or hungry (literally 'to eat the putty out of the windows').

Früher waren sie so arm, dass sie fast den Kitt aus den Fenstern fressen mussten.

die Fugen kitten

— To fill the gaps between tiles or stones.

Wir müssen noch die Fugen im Bad kitten.

den Riss in der Koalition kitten

— A political phrase for fixing internal party conflicts.

Die Kanzlerin versucht, den Riss in der Koalition zu kitten.

Often Confused With

kitten vs kiten

This means kitesurfing. The 'i' is long /i:/, while in 'kitten' it is short /ɪ/.

kitten vs Kätzchen

This is the actual word for a baby cat (kitten in English).

kitten vs kicken

This means to kick (e.g., a ball).

Idioms & Expressions

"Den Kitt aus den Fenstern fressen"

— To be so desperately poor that one would eat anything, even window putty.

Während der Wirtschaftskrise mussten viele den Kitt aus den Fenstern fressen.

informal/historical

"Scherben kitten"

— To try to fix a situation that is already beyond repair.

Es bringt nichts, diese Scherben noch kitten zu wollen.

poetic/metaphorical

"Der Kitt der Gesellschaft"

— The values or social bonds that hold a society together.

Ehrenamtliche Arbeit ist der Kitt der Gesellschaft.

formal/political

"Etwas ist nicht mehr zu kitten"

— A situation or relationship is irreparably broken.

Nach diesem Vorfall ist ihre Freundschaft nicht mehr zu kitten.

neutral

"Alles wieder kitten wollen"

— The desire to return to a state of harmony after a major conflict.

Er kam mit Blumen und wollte alles wieder kitten.

neutral

"Die Risse kitten"

— To address small problems before they become large ones.

Wir müssen die Risse in unserem Team kitten.

neutral

"Den Laden zusammenkitten"

— To keep an organization or group from falling apart through sheer effort.

Der Chef versucht mühsam, den Laden zusammenzukitten.

informal

"Mühsam gekittet"

— Something that has been repaired but remains fragile.

Der Frieden war nur mühsam gekittet.

neutral

"Kitt im Kopf haben"

— A very rare, old-fashioned way to say someone is stupid or slow (not common today).

Hast du Kitt im Kopf?

archaic/slang

"Den Kitt halten"

— To maintain the bond or seal.

Hoffentlich wird der Kitt halten.

technical/literal

Easily Confused

kitten vs kleben

Both involve joining things.

Kleben is general sticking; kitten is filling cracks with putty/paste.

Ich klebe das Papier, aber ich kitte das Fenster.

kitten vs abdichten

Both involve sealing gaps.

Abdichten is the goal (waterproof/airtight); kitten is the specific method (using putty).

Ich dichte die Tür ab, indem ich sie kitte.

kitten vs flicken

Both mean to mend.

Flicken is for fabric or quick patches; kitten is for hard materials or relationships.

Flicke deine Socken, aber kitte die Freundschaft.

kitten vs leimen

Both involve bonding.

Leimen is specifically for wood glue.

Der Tischler leimt das Holz.

kitten vs spachteln

Both involve applying a paste.

Spachteln is for smoothing large surfaces (like walls); kitten is for joints and cracks.

Ich spachtle die Wand, bevor ich sie streiche.

Sentence Patterns

Ich muss [Objekt] kitten.

Ich muss die Vase kitten.

Es ist schwer, [Abstraktum] zu kitten.

Es ist schwer, das Vertrauen zu kitten.

[Objekt] wurde mühsam gekittet.

Die Freundschaft wurde mühsam gekittet.

Anstatt [Aktion], versuchte man [Objekt] zu kitten.

Anstatt zu streiten, versuchte man die Wogen zu kitten.

Hast du [Objekt] gekittet?

Hast du das Fenster gekittet?

Wenn wir [Objekt] kitten, dann...

Wenn wir die Beziehung kitten, dann sind wir glücklich.

Das [Partizip] Objekt hält wieder.

Die gekittete Schüssel hält wieder.

Der Kitt, der [Subjekt] zusammenhält, ist [Nomen].

Der Kitt, der uns zusammenhält, ist die Liebe.

Word Family

Nouns

der Kitt (putty/lute)

das Kitten (the act of puttying)

der Fensterkitt (window putty)

der Glaserkitt (glazier's putty)

die Kittung (the puttying/sealing process)

Verbs

zusammenkitten (to putty together)

auskitten (to fill with putty)

verkitten (to seal up with putty)

Adjectives

gekittet (puttied/mended)

kittartig (putty-like)

unkittbar (impossible to mend with putty)

kleben

abdichten

fugen

leimen

spachteln

How to Use It

frequency

Common in specific domains (DIY, relationship advice) but not an everyday word for everyone.

Common Mistakes

Ich habe ein süßes kitten. → Ich habe ein süßes Kätzchen.
Confusing the German verb 'kitten' with the English noun 'kitten'.
Er kitt das Fenster. → Er kittet das Fenster.
Forgetting the connecting 'e' in the conjugation of verbs ending in -t.
Ich kitte meine kaputte Uhr. → Ich repariere meine kaputte Uhr.
Using 'kitten' for mechanical/electronic repairs instead of 'reparieren'.
Wir müssen die Beziehung kleben. → Wir müssen die Beziehung kitten.
Using 'kleben' (to glue) instead of the more appropriate metaphorical 'kitten' for relationships.
Ich habe das Loch mit Stoff gekittet. → Ich habe das Loch mit Stoff geflickt.
Using 'kitten' for fabric repairs instead of 'flicken'.

Tips

Watch the 'e'

Remember to add an 'e' before the 'st' or 't' endings because the stem ends in 't'. Say 'er kittet', not 'er kitt'.

Metaphorical use

Impress Germans by using 'kitten' when talking about fixing a friendship. It sounds very natural and sophisticated.

DIY projects

If you are in a German hardware store (Baumarkt), look for 'Kitt' if you need to fix old windows.

Not a cat!

Always keep in mind that 'kitten' is an action, not a small animal. Don't say 'Ich habe ein kitten'!

Participle Adjectives

Use 'gekittet' to describe something that has been fixed. 'Die gekittete Vase' sounds better than 'die reparierte Vase' for ceramics.

Short 'i'

Keep the 'i' short. If you make it long, it sounds like you're talking about kitesurfing.

The 'Kitt' of Society

Understand that 'der Kitt der Gesellschaft' is a very positive term for things like volunteering and community spirit.

Kitten vs. Abdichten

Use 'kitten' for the process and 'abdichten' for the result of making something draft-proof.

Visualize the Paste

To remember the word, visualize yourself smoothing paste into a crack with a knife.

Compound Words

Look out for words like 'Fensterkitt' to see how the noun form is used in daily life.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'K' in 'kitten' as standing for 'Kitt' (putty) and the 'T' as standing for 'Tight'. You are using putty to make things tight again.

Visual Association

Imagine an old wooden window frame with gray paste around the glass. You are pressing the paste in with a knife. This is 'kitten'.

Word Web

Kitt Fenster Vase Riss Beziehung Reparieren Glaser Abdichten

Challenge

Try to use 'kitten' in three different contexts today: once for a physical object, once for a relationship, and once in the past tense.

Word Origin

The verb 'kitten' is derived from the noun 'Kitt', which has roots in Middle High German 'kite' and Old High German 'kuti'. It is related to the English word 'cud' and 'glue' (via Proto-Indo-European roots for sticky substances).

Original meaning: Originally referred to resin, gum, or any sticky substance used for bonding.

Germanic

Cultural Context

There are no major sensitivities, but using 'kitten' for a relationship can sometimes imply that the fix is only superficial or 'patched up'.

English speakers should be careful not to use 'kitten' when they mean 'fixing' a car or a computer; 'mend' or 'repair' are better translations there.

The phrase 'Der Kitt der Gesellschaft' is a staple in German political speeches. Traditional German children's stories often feature a 'Glaser' (glazier) who 'kittet' windows. Modern relationship guides in Germany frequently use 'kitten' in their titles.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Home Repair

Das Fenster muss gekittet werden.
Wo ist der Kitt?
Ich kitte den Spalt.
Der Kitt ist trocken.

Relationships

Wir wollen unsere Ehe kitten.
Die Freundschaft ist nicht mehr zu kitten.
Kann man das noch kitten?
Sie haben alles wieder gekittet.

Restoration

Die Scherben wurden gekittet.
Ein unsichtbares Kitten ist möglich.
Das Porzellan fachmännisch kitten.
Historische Techniken zum Kitten.

Politics

Den Riss in der Partei kitten.
Das Bündnis wurde mühsam gekittet.
Soziale Risse kitten.
Die Koalition kitten.

DIY Blogs

Schritt-für-Schritt Fenster kitten.
Welchen Kitt soll ich nehmen?
Risse in Steinplatten kitten.
Tipps zum richtigen Kitten.

Conversation Starters

"Hast du schon mal versucht, ein altes Fenster selbst zu kitten?"

"Glaubst du, dass man eine Freundschaft nach zehn Jahren Funkstille wieder kitten kann?"

"Was ist für dich der wichtigste Kitt der Gesellschaft?"

"Kennst du jemanden, der Porzellan professionell kitten kann?"

"Sollte man eine kaputte Beziehung kitten oder lieber gleich beenden?"

Journal Prompts

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du versucht hast, eine Beziehung zu einer wichtigen Person zu kitten.

Warum ist es in der heutigen Wegwerfgesellschaft wichtig, Dinge wie Fenster oder Vasen noch zu kitten?

Was hält deine Familie zusammen? Was ist der 'Kitt' in deinem Privatleben?

Stell dir vor, du bist ein Restaurator. Beschreibe deine Arbeit beim Kitten einer antiken Statue.

Reflektiere über den Satz: 'Manche Scherben lassen sich nicht mehr kitten.' Stimmt das?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it is a verb meaning to seal with putty or mend. A baby cat is 'ein Kätzchen' or 'ein Katzenjunges'.

Yes, it is a weak/regular verb. Its forms are kitten, kittete, hat gekittet. Note the extra 'e' in 'du kittest' and 'er kittet'.

Generally no. For mechanical repairs, use 'reparieren'. You only use 'kitten' if you are literally using putty to fill a crack in a non-mechanical part like a stone chip.

It means to mend a relationship, friendship, or social group that has been damaged by conflict or a 'crack' in trust.

Kitt is the noun meaning putty, lute, or adhesive paste used for sealing windows and ceramics.

Use 'kitten' when you are filling a crack or a gap with a thick substance. Use 'kleben' for general sticking of two surfaces.

The physical act of puttying windows is less common now, but the word is still very much alive, especially in its metaphorical sense.

Ich kittete, du kittetest, er kittete, wir kitteten, ihr kittetet, sie kitteten.

No, for clothes you should use 'flicken' (to patch) or 'nähen' (to sew).

It is the act of sealing window panes into their frames with putty.