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noun

Kraut

krowt

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Kraut (noun) means (informal, often derogatory) A German person. Example: “The old war film used "kraut" as a slur for German soldiers.”

noun

1

(informal, often derogatory) A German person.

"The old war film used "kraut" as a slur for German soldiers."

verb

1

To turn cabbage into sauerkraut by fermenting it.

"They krauted several heads of cabbage for winter storage."

How to use Kraut

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishLiterally "cabbage" in German; in English it became an old, often offensive slang term for a German person.

Common mistake

As a term for a person, it's an ethnic slur with wartime origins — avoid using it that way.

When to use it

The "German person" sense is dated and derogatory.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: Krauts
Third person singular: krauts
Past tense: krauted

Test yourself on “Kraut” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The old war film used "_____" as a slur for German soldiers.

Etymology

From German Kraut, meaning "cabbage", a nod to the German fondness for sauerkraut. The nickname for Germans became widespread during the First and Second World Wars.

Origin: German

Synonyms

Krauthead Jerry Hun Boche

Related words

Jerry Gerard Gerald Jerome hun Boche thunderbox

Rhymes for Kraut

taut sauté beaut umlaut ablaut astronaut cosmonaut juggernaut sauerkraut

See all rhymes for Kraut →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Kraut” mean?

The word “Kraut” means (informal, often derogatory) A German person. In plain terms, literally "cabbage" in German; in English it became an old, often offensive slang term for a German person.

How do you pronounce “Kraut”?

“Kraut” is pronounced krowt (/kɹaʊt/ in IPA).

How do you use “Kraut” in a sentence?

Here is “Kraut” used in a sentence: “The old war film used "kraut" as a slur for German soldiers.”

What part of speech is “Kraut”?

Depending on how it is used, “Kraut” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “Kraut” come from?

The word “Kraut” comes from German. From German Kraut, meaning "cabbage", a nod to the German fondness for sauerkraut. The nickname for Germans became widespread during the First and Second World Wars.

How many meanings does “Kraut” have?

“Kraut” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: (informal, often derogatory) A German person.

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