Meaning 1neutral; affectionate · 82%
To touch someone or something gently with smooth movements of the hand.
Natural examples
Das Kind streichelt vorsichtig die Katze.
The child gently pets the cat.
Opa streichelte dem Hund den Rücken.
Grandpa stroked the dog’s back.
Ein warmer Wind streichelte ihr Gesicht.
A warm breeze brushed her face.
Usage note
Streicheln is weak and takes haben; it is usually transitive and can also be used figuratively for a breeze.
Mini-lesson: streicheln
To touch someone or something gently with smooth movements of the hand. Streicheln is weak and takes haben; it is usually transitive and can also be used figuratively for a breeze.
Check your learning
Choose one answer.Which definition matches «streicheln»?