Garnele
/ɡaʁˈneːlə/
The German word for shrimp is Garnele.
The term refers to the flesh of the crustacean. In German, it is used specifically to denote the shrimp or prawn family.
Meaning: flesh of the crustacean (noun)
Which one should you use?
While English often uses 'shrimp' for many small crustaceans, Garnele specifically refers to the shrimp or prawn family. In German, Garnele (shrimp) is distinct from Krabbe (crab), whereas English speakers might sometimes use generic terms for both in casual settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Garnele is Garnelen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡaʁˈneːlə/
Did you know?
- The term Nordseekrabbe is a classic example of a linguistic paradox, as it literally translates to 'North Sea crab' but refers specifically to shrimp.
- The word Garnele is a linguistic traveler that arrived in German from the Dutch language, specifically from the word garnaal.
- If you see Riesengarnele on a menu, it literally translates to 'giant shrimp' and usually refers to king prawns.
Examples in context
- Tom schälte die Garnele.Tom shelled the shrimp.This sentence shows how to use Garnele in the context of shelling the seafood.Tatoeba #12089306 by Augustus, translation #1164214 by CK
- Meine Katze liebt Garnelen.My cat loves shrimp.This sentence illustrates the use of the plural form Garnelen.Tatoeba #7814002 by tiuwiu, translation #3820840 by CK
- Krabben und Garnelen sind Schalentiere.Crabs and shrimp are crustaceans.This sentence distinguishes Garnelen from crabs as types of crustaceans.Tatoeba #10229086 by manese, translation #10229975 by carlosalberto
- Lass uns zu dem Fischrestaurant gehen, ich habe Lust auf Schrimps.Let's go to the fish restaurant, I feel like having shrimp.
- Ja, gute Idee! Ich liebe Schrimps.Yes, good idea! I love shrimp.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are looking at a menu in a restaurant.
- LukasMöchtest du die Pasta mit Garnele?Would you like the pasta with shrimp?
- SarahJa, das klingt sehr lecker.Yes, that sounds very delicious.
- LukasIch nehme auch ein Gericht mit Garnele.I will also have a dish with shrimp.
- SarahDann bestellen wir das jetzt.Then let's order that now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Garnele, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Garnele, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
