Masculine

Kran

Meaning

Concepts

Synonyms

Translations

Notes

Practice pronunciation

Extra tools

(masculine, strong) crane (a lifting device)
(Germany, Western, masculine, regional, strong) tap, faucet

Frequency

Basel-Landschaft

graan

Data provided by: Deutsch-Schweizerdeutsches Wörterbuch

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈkʁaːn/

Inherited from Middle High German

Inherited from Old High German

Cognate with English

Cognate with French

Cognate with Dutch

Cognate with Luxembourgish

In summary

From Middle High German krane, from Old High German krano (“crane”), from Proto-West Germanic *kranō, from Proto-Germanic *kranô (“crane”). 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).