How to Say "Crochet" in German

häkeln

/ˈhɛːkəln/

To crochet in German is to häkeln.

The verb häkeln means to make needlework using a hooked needle. The related nouns Häkelarbeit and Häkeln refer to the needlework itself.

Meaning: to make needlework using a hooked needle (verb)

Which one should you use?

While häkeln refers specifically to crochet using a hook, the verb stricken is used for knitting with needles.

The past participle of häkeln is gehäkelt.

/ˈhɛːkəln/

The word Haken 'hook' is also used in German idioms to describe a 'catch' or a hidden problem in a deal. If a plan has a Haken, it means there is a sneaky complication.
In Germany, the term Häkeldeckchen refers to the traditional handmade lace doilies often found on coffee tables. These are so iconic that they are frequently used as symbols of old-fashioned domesticity in German media.
The rhythmic nature of the suffix -eln in häkeln mimics the repetitive, back-and-forth motion of the needle itself.

Tom will häkeln lernen.
Tom wants to learn how to crochet.
This sentence is useful for expressing the desire to learn how to use häkeln.
Tatoeba #12364301 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7324631 by Hybrid
Esther hat mir häkeln beigebracht.
Esther taught me to crochet.
This sentence shows how someone might be taught to use häkeln.
Tatoeba #12355261 by felix63, translation #8808506 by shekitten
Ich liebe es zu häkeln.
I love to crochet.
Das Häkeln von Mützen ist meine Spezialität.
Crocheting hats is my specialty.
Ich möchte ein kleines Körbchen häkeln.
I want to crochet a small basket.

Julian and Sarah are sitting in a cafe.

Julian

Was machst du da gerade, Sarah?
What are you doing right now, Sarah?
Sarah

Ich möchte ein Geschenk für meine Mutter häkeln.
I want to crochet a gift for my mother.
Julian

Das sieht sehr schwierig aus.
That looks very difficult.
Sarah

Nein, es macht eigentlich viel Spaß.
No, it is actually a lot of fun.

Sources

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