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noun

die Pranke, -n

paw

Der große Fuß oder die Hand von einem Tier mit Krallen.

Definition & meaning

The German noun die Pranke refers to the heavy, powerful paw of a large beast of prey, such as a lion, bear, or tiger. It often implies a paw equipped with sharp claws.

In a figurative sense, the word is frequently used to describe a person's large, clumsy, or rough hand (often in a derogatory or humorous tone). It can also be used metaphorically to describe the "clutches" of someone or something, implying being held captive or trapped by a powerful force or person (e.g., "in den Pranken des Schicksals").

Grammar & Word origin

  • Gender: Feminine (die)
  • Plural: die Pranken
  • Origin: The word is of uncertain origin but is assumed to be related to Middle Low German pranke, meaning "claw" or "hand." It likely entered High German via Northern German dialects in the late medieval period.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • Tatze (the standard word for a paw)
  • Pfote (general term for a paw)
  • Greifhand (when referring to the figurative human hand)
  • Kralle (specifically referring to the claw part)

Antonyms:

  • There are no direct linguistic antonyms for a physical body part like a paw. However, in contexts referring to human hands, one might contrast Pranke with Feingefühl (delicacy) or zarte Hand (delicate hand).

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Examples

Der Bär hebt seine Pranke.noun

The bear lifts its paw.

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