An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/klettern

by Friedrich Kluge

klettern, vb., ‘to climb,’ early ModHG only, probably allied to Kette, and derived like the latter from a root meaning ‘to cleave (to)’; comp. kleben and klimmen. Akin to Du. klauteren, LG. klâtern, klattern, South Franc. klôteren, ‘to mount, climb’ (with an abnormal vowel and dental); root klêt?.