01
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
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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 Hand
hand
'die Hand' and 'die Kralle' can both have to do with grasping. 'Hand' is the neutral word for the human body part. 'Kralle' actually means the sharp, curved nail of animals such as birds or predators. For a human hand, 'Kralle' is used only colloquially and usually in a derogatory way, for example when someone grabs something roughly or greedily. Learners should therefore not simply use 'Kralle' for 'Hand'. For humans, 'Hand' is almost always the correct neutral choice.
Kralle
Der Papagei hält den Ast mit seinen Krallen fest.
The parrot holds the branch tightly with its claws.
Hand
Vor dem Termin hält sie den Zettel fest in der Hand.
Before the appointment, she holds the note firmly in her hand.
In real life
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