Kran

Kran

See also: kran

German

Etymology

From Middle High German krane (“the bird crane”), from Old High German krano (“idem”). The word was used metaphorically for the lifting device due to the similar appearance of the bird’s neck and head. This metaphorical use is first attested in Middle Dutch krane, and thence spread to several European languages (compare English crane, French grue). The sense “water tap” is restricted to a smaller territory (compare Dutch kraan; Luxembourgish Krunn).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈkʁaːn/

• Audio

  (file)

• Rhymes: -aːn

Noun

Kran m (genitive Krans or Kranes, plural Kräne)

1. crane (a lifting device)

   Bei Sturm darf ein Kran nicht umfallen.

   A crane must not fall over in case of a storm.

2. (regional, western Germany) water tap

   Der Kran in der Küche tropft.

   The water tap in the kitchen is dripping.

Derived terms

• Kraneberger

Related terms

• Kranich (bird)

Further reading

• Kran in Duden online

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Luxembourgish

Etymology

From German Kran. The originally Luxembourgish cognate is Krunn.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /kʀaːn/

Noun

Kran m (plural Kranen)

1. crane (lifting machine)