Kakerlake
/ˌka(ː)kɐˈlaːkə/
The English word "roach" is translated into German as Kakerlake.
Kakerlake refers to a common scavenging insect often found in buildings and considered a pest.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌka(ː)kɐˈlaːkə/
Did you know?
- Unlike English, where 'roach' can sometimes refer to a fish, the German Kakerlake refers exclusively to the insect.
- German speakers sometimes use the term Schabe as a synonym for Kakerlake, which comes from the verb schaben meaning 'to scrape'.
- The word Kakerlake is a back-formation, meaning the singular form was created by removing the ending from the plural Kakerlaken.
Examples in context
- Während Anna Mut sammelte, um sich der Kakerlake entgegenzustellen, flitzte diese durch den Raum, was ihr einen Schrei entlockte.As Anna mustered the courage to confront the roach, it darted across the room, eliciting a yelp from her.This sentence shows the reaction of someone confronting a Kakerlake.Tatoeba #12441250 by Yorwba, translation #11842280 by Amastan
- Kannst du bitte diese Schabe schnell beseitigen?Can you please get rid of this roach quickly?
- Ich habe eine Kakerlake in der Küche gesehen.I saw a roach in the kitchen.
- Die Kakerlake ist sehr schnell.The roach is very fast.
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are in their apartment looking for a pest.
- FelixJulia, hast du die Kakerlake gesehen?Julia, did you see the roach?
- JuliaNein, Felix, ich habe sie nicht gesehen.No, Felix, I haven't seen it.
- FelixSie ist bestimmt unter dem Schrank.It must be under the cupboard.
- JuliaOh nein, das ist ekelhaft!Oh no, that is disgusting!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Kakerlake, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Kakerlake, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
