01
der Knacker
nutcracker
A tool, usually a pair of pliers or tongs, used to crack open the hard shell of nuts.
example
Gib mir bitte den Knacker, ich bekomme diese Walnuss nicht auf.
Please give me the nutcracker; I can't get this walnut open.
der Knacker
nutcracker / knackwurst / safecracker
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 04
Usage tips
Word structure
All meanings of 'Knacker' derive from the verb 'knacken' (to crack). The ending '-er' refers either to a tool ('Nussknacker' = nutcracker), a person ('Safeknacker' = safecracker), or something that makes a cracking sound (sausage).
EXAMPLE
Hörst du, wie die Wurst beim Braten knackt?
Do you hear how the sausage cracks as it fries?
Register and style
The term 'Knacker' (old geezer) for an old man is very colloquial and can sound derogatory or disrespectful. It is often used in the combination 'alter Knacker' (old geezer).
EXAMPLE
Pass auf, was du sagst, der alte Knacker versteht mehr, als du denkst.
Watch what you say; the old geezer understands more than you think.
Context clue
When 'Knacker' appears in the context of 'Nüssen' (nuts), 'Schalen' (shells), or as a 'Werkzeug' (tool) or 'Zange' (pliers/tongs), it always means a nutcracker.
EXAMPLE
Ohne einen guten Knacker bekommt man die Macadamianüsse kaum auf.
Without a good nutcracker, it's almost impossible to open macadamia nuts.
Context clue
In the context of food, butcher shops, 'ein Paar' (a pair), or meals such as supper, 'Knacker' refers to the type of sausage.
EXAMPLE
Beim Metzger kaufe ich immer ein Paar frische Knacker.
At the butcher's, I always buy a pair of fresh knackwurst sausages.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'Einbrecher' (burglar), the word is often made more specific, for example as 'Safeknacker' (safecracker) or 'Tresorknacker' (safecracker).
EXAMPLE
Der berühmte Safeknacker konnte jedes Schloss öffnen.
The famous safecracker could open any lock.
Compare with
Knacker vs Senior
senior
'der Senior' and 'der Knacker' can both refer to an older man. The difference is mainly in tone. 'Senior' is polite and neutral. You can also use it in official or respectful situations. 'Knacker' is colloquial and often sounds derogatory or mocking, even if it can be meant jokingly among friends. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with an old man. A safe rule is: for strangers or people you want to refer to respectfully, it is better to say 'Senior', not 'Knacker'.
Knacker
Paul sagte aus Spaß: „Für so einen alten Knacker läufst du aber noch schnell.“
Paul said jokingly, "For such an old geezer, you still run pretty fast."
Senior
Der Senior wartet geduldig vor der Arztpraxis.
The senior citizen waits patiently outside the doctor's office.
In real life
Loading video examples...