Nussknacker
/ˈnʊsˌknakɐ/masculine
The German word for nutcracker is Nussknacker.
Nussknacker refers to an implement used for cracking nuts.
Meaning: implement for cracking nuts (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of Nuss (nut) and Knacker (cracker or one who cracks).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is a masculine noun. The plural form is also Nussknacker.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈnʊsˌknakɐ/
When do people say it?
In German culture, the wooden nutcracker figurine, which is often shaped like a king or a soldier, is a traditional decoration for Christmas.
Did you know?
- While a Nussknacker is a tool, the term Knacker in a historical context referred to a person who processed animal carcasses. This creates a linguistic distinction between a helpful household item and a much grimmer profession.
- The figurines are often shaped as soldiers or kings because they represent a satirical take on authority figures by the common people.
- The world-famous ballet 'The Nutcracker' is based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, who wrote in German and lived during the Romantic era.
Examples in context
- Das ist ein Nußknacker.This is a nutcracker.This sentence is useful for identifying a Nussknacker.Tatoeba #13303525 by Waldelfe, translation #9568685 by Nylez
- Ich habe gestern einen schönen Nussknacker gekauft.I bought a beautiful nutcracker yesterday.
- Der Nussknacker ist ein beliebtes Weihnachtssymbol.The nutcracker is a popular Christmas symbol.
- Wo ist der Nussknacker?Where is the nutcracker?
- Ich brauche einen Nussknacker für die Walnüsse.I need a nutcracker for the walnuts.
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are in the kitchen preparing snacks.
- LauraFelix, hast du einen Nussknacker?Felix, do you have a nutcracker?
- FelixNein, ich finde den Nussknacker nicht.No, I can't find the nutcracker.
- LauraEr liegt bestimmt in der Schublade.It must be in the drawer.
- FelixAh, hier ist er!Ah, here it is!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nutcracker” translations and entries Nussknacker, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
