die Kralle
claw
The sharp, curved horn-like nail at the end of the toes of predators, birds, and reptiles.
EXAMPLE
Die Katze fuhr ihre Krallen aus, als der Hund zu nahe kam.
The cat extended its claws when the dog came too close.
die Kralle
claw
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Meanings
die Kralle
claw
A tool or machine part used for gripping, holding, or pulling, whose shape resembles an animal claw.
EXAMPLE
Der Greifarm des Krans hatte eine riesige Kralle, um den Schrott zu packen.
The crane's grab arm had a huge claw for picking up the scrap metal.
die Kralle
claw
Colloquial and often derogatory for a person's hand, especially when it grabs greedily or roughly.
EXAMPLE
Nimm deine Krallen von meinen Pommes!
Get your claws off my fries!
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'die Kralle' (claw) is closely related to the verb 'krallen' (to claw/grab). 'Sich etwas krallen' means to grab something quickly and greedily.
EXAMPLE
Der Vogel krallte sich an dem Ast fest.
The bird clung to the branch with its claws.
Context clue
The context makes clear what kind of 'Kralle' (claw) is meant. Is it about an animal (eagle, cat), a machine (crane, excavator), or colloquially about a person's hand?
EXAMPLE
Der Adler packte die Beute mit seinen Krallen.
The eagle grabbed the prey with its claws.
Typical collocations
In connection with animals, typical expressions are 'die Krallen ausfahren' (to extend the claws) and 'die Krallen einziehen' (to retract the claws).
EXAMPLE
Der Bär hinterließ mit seinen Krallen tiefe Spuren im Baum.
The bear left deep marks in the tree with its claws.
Register and style
When 'Kralle' (claw) is used for a human hand, it is always colloquial and has a negative, often greedy or rough meaning.
EXAMPLE
Er streckte seine gierigen Krallen nach dem letzten Stück Kuchen aus.
He stretched out his greedy claws toward the last piece of cake.
Compare with
Kralle vs Klaue
claw / hoof
Both words can refer to the sharp, curved claw of an animal. Kralle is the more general term for predators, birds, and reptiles, while Klaue particularly suggests a powerful, curved claw of a predator or bird of prey. With such animals, both words are sometimes possible, but the collocation determines the choice.
Kralle
Der Adler schloss seine Kralle um den Ast und blieb sicher sitzen.
The eagle closed its claw around the branch and remained securely perched.
Klaue
Der Adler schlug seine kräftige Klaue in die Beute und hielt sie fest.
The eagle drove its powerful claw into its prey and held it tightly.
In real life
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