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noun

die Kralle, -n

claw

spitzer, harter Teil am Fuß von manchen Tieren, mit dem sie greifen, klettern oder sich wehren können.

Definition & meaning

The word Kralle primarily refers to the sharp, curved nail found on the feet of birds of prey, reptiles, or certain mammals (such as cats or bears). It is used for grasping, climbing, or defense.

In a figurative sense, the term can also describe:

  1. A person's hand, especially when describing a claw-like or grasping gesture (often used in a derogatory way to imply greed or possessiveness).
  2. A mechanical device (a "claw") used for gripping or holding objects, such as in a crane or a grapple.

Grammar & Word origin

  • Grammar: It is a feminine noun (die Kralle) and its plural form is die Krallen.
  • Word origin: It stems from the Middle High German word kralle, which is related to the verb kralen (to claw or scratch). It shares roots with the Germanic word for "claw" or "hook."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • Die Klaue (often used for wild animals or hoofed animals)
  • Die Tatze (referring to a paw, often including the claws)
  • Der Greifer (specifically for mechanical devices)
  • Der Nagel (general term for fingernails or toenails)

Antonyms:

  • Die Pfote (while a paw contains claws, the term itself refers to the soft foot, contrasting with the sharpness of the claw)
  • Die Hand (in human contexts, it is the natural, non-threatening counterpart to a "claw-like" hand)

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Examples

Die Katze zeigte ihre scharfe Kralle.noun

The cat showed its sharp claw.

Ein Vogel hat eine lange Kralle am Fuß.noun

A bird has a long claw on its foot.

Hast du die kleinen Krallen schon geschnitten?noun

Have you already trimmed the little claws?

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