Krake
From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Alternative forms
Etymology
From Norwegian Kraken, definite singular of krake (“sea monster”).
Pronunciation
Noun
Krake (traditional or scientific) m (weak, genitive Kraken, plural Kraken) or
Krake (colloquial) f (genitive Krake, plural Kraken)
- (chiefly sciences) a mollusk of the order Octopoda; an octopus in the broader sense
- (mythology or figuratively) a kraken (sea monster)
- Das Schiff wurde von einer Krake (einem Kraken) versenkt.
- The ship was sunk by a kraken.
- die/der Krake des Kapitalismus ― the kraken of capitalism
Usage notes
- Krake, Oktopus and Tintenfisch are all distinguished in scientific use. Non-specialist speakers, however, tend to reserve Krake to the sea monster and use Tintenfisch and Oktopus interchangeably.
- Prescriptive grammars define Krake as masculine, which is the traditional usage and is still common in some regions. On the whole, however, Krake is now predominantly treated as feminine outside of scientific use.
Declension
Declension of Krake [masculine (traditional or scientific), weak]
Declension of Krake [feminine (colloquial)]
Derived terms
- Löcherkrake (“common blanket octopus”)
- Riesenkrake (“giant octopus”)
- Zirrenkrake (“curled octopus”)
See also
Further reading
- “Krake” in Digitales Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache
- “Krake” in Duden online
- “Krake” in Deutsches Wörterbuch von Jacob und Wilhelm Grimm, 16 vols., Leipzig 1854–1961.
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