Is it "kitten" or "katten"? - briefly
The correct word is "kittens". "Katten" is the plural form in Dutch.
Is it "kitten" or "katten"? - in detail
The terms "kitten" and "katten" both refer to young cats, but they belong to different languages and have distinct origins and usage patterns.
"Kitten" is an English word that has been in use since the late 16th century. It is derived from the Old Norse word "kit," which means a young animal or offspring. In English-speaking countries, "kitten" is universally recognized as the term for a baby cat. The word is often associated with the endearing and playful nature of young felines.
On the other hand, "katten" is a Dutch word that also translates to "cat." However, it does not specifically refer to a young cat; instead, it is used as a general term for cats of all ages. The Dutch language has a separate word for a young cat, which is "katje," similar in sound and meaning to the English "kitten."
To clarify the distinction: while both terms are related to cats, "kitten" is exclusively used in English to denote a baby cat, whereas "katten" in Dutch refers to cats in general, not specifically to young ones. Understanding this difference is crucial for accurate communication and translation between these languages.