Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kralle | /ˈkʁalə/ | feminine |
| Klaue | /ˈklaʊ̯ə/ | feminine |
The term refers to the hard, curved nail of an animal or a specific part of a tool. In technical or formal contexts, specifically regarding robotics or machinery, the term Greifer is used to describe a gripping or grasping claw.
Which one should you use?
German uses different words depending on the nature of the claw. Kralle is typically used for the sharp, biological claws found on animals like birds or cats. Klaue is used for larger, more cumbersome claws or is used metaphorically to describe large, clumsy hands. Additionally, Klaue is the standard term for the claw of a tool, such as the claw of a crowbar.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Both words are feminine nouns. The plural of Kralle is Krallen, and the plural of Klaue is Klauen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkʁalə/
Did you know?
- The German word Klaue is actually a 'back-formation', meaning it was created by looking at the verb klauen and working backwards.
- The English 'claw' and the German Klaue share the same ancient linguistic DNA, making them cognates from the Proto-Germanic period.
- While Kralle describes the sharp weapons of a predator, you might call a person's large, uncoordinated hands 'Klauen' as a mild insult.
Examples in context
- Tom fasste mit der Klaue der Brechstange unter den Kopf des Nagels und zog den Nagel heraus.Tom wedged the claw of the crowbar under the nailhead and pulled out the nail.This sentence is useful for seeing how Klaue is used to describe the claw of a tool.Tatoeba #1922570 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1922104 by CK
- Die Kralle der Katze ist scharf.The cat's claw is sharp.
- Der Greifer des Roboters ist sehr stark.The robot's claw is very strong.
- Pass auf, dass die Krallen der Katze dich nicht kratzen.Be careful not to get scratched by the cat's claws.
- Die Katze hat eine scharfe Kralle.The cat has a sharp claw.
- Der Adler hat eine große Kralle.The eagle has a large claw.
Example conversation
Felix and Laura are watching a nature documentary about birds.
- FelixSchau dir die Kralle des Falken an!Look at the falcon's claw!
- LauraSie sieht wirklich gefährlich aus.It looks really dangerous.
- FelixJa, jede Kralle ist sehr kräftig.Yes, every claw is very strong.
- LauraDie Natur ist wirklich beeindruckend.Nature is truly impressive.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “claw” translations and entries Kralle, Klaue, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Klaue, Kralle, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
