Krake
/ˈkʁaːkə/feminine, masculine
The English word octopus is translated into German as Krake. Wiktionary also lists Tintenfisch and Oktopus.
Meaning: mollusc (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Krake | /ˈkʁaːkə/ | feminine, masculine |
| Tintenfisch | /ˈtɪntn̩ˌfɪʃ/ /ˈtɪntənˌfɪʃ/ |
masculine |
| Oktopus | [ˈɔktopʊs] (narrow) | masculine |
While Krake and Oktopus refer specifically to the octopus, Tintenfisch is a broader category used for all cephalopods, such as squid and cuttlefish.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Tintenfisch is a compound of Tinte (ink) and Fisch (fish), literally meaning ink fish.
Which one should you use?
Krake is the most common, everyday German word for octopus. Oktopus is also used but sounds more scientific or like a loanword. Tintenfisch is more general and can refer to any cephalopod, including squid and cuttlefish.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Krake is Kraken. The plural of Oktopus is Oktopusse.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkʁaːkə/
Did you know?
- In German mythology and old sailors' tales, the Krake was a giant beast capable of dragging entire ships underwater.
- In early German texts from the 17th century, Tintenfisch was sometimes equated with the term 'sea-spider'.
Examples in context
- Der Hai fraß den Kraken.The shark ate the octopus.This sentence shows the use of Krake in a sentence about a shark.Tatoeba #11524515 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11524511 by carlosalberto
- Wie viele Arme hat ein Krake?How many arms does an octopus have?This sentence uses Krake to ask a question about the number of arms.Tatoeba #8378064 by Yorwba, translation #2228387 by Tximist
- Der Oktopus wickelte sich um sein Opfer.The octopus wrapped itself around its prey.This sentence demonstrates the use of Oktopus.Tatoeba #5064002 by dispy, translation #5062383 by AlanF_US
- Ja, und die Oktopusse dort waren faszinierend!Yes, and the octopuses there were fascinating!
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are visiting an aquarium.
- MaximilianSchau mal, dort schwimmt eine große Krake!Look, there swims a big octopus!
- JuliaDie Krake sieht wirklich faszinierend aus.The octopus looks really fascinating.
- MaximilianIch glaube, die Krake ist sehr intelligent.I think the octopus is very intelligent.
- JuliaJa, das habe ich auch gelesen.Yes, I read that too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “octopus” translations and entries Krake, Tintenfisch, Oktopus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Krake, Oktopus, Tintenfisch, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
