das  Krokodil

A1

Estimated CEFR level.

/kʁokoˈdiːl/

🐊 What is a Krokodil?

Das Krokodil (noun, neuter) refers to a large, predatory reptile belonging to the order Crocodylia. Krokodile typically live in tropical and subtropical waters like rivers, lakes, and swamps. They are known for their powerful jaws, sharp teeth, and armored bodies.

There is only this one main meaning for das Krokodil, so the assignment of the article 'das' (the, neuter) is clear. ⚠️ Be careful not to confuse it with an alligator (der Alligator - masculine), although they look similar.

Grammar with Bite: Declining Das Krokodil

Das Krokodil is a noun of the neuter gender (Neutrum). It follows the strong declension pattern.

Singular Declension

Plural Declension

Example Sentences

• Das Krokodil lauert im trüben Wasser. (The crocodile lurks in the murky water.)
• Die Haut des Krokodils ist sehr widerstandsfähig. (The crocodile's skin is very tough.)
• Der Zoowärter nähert sich dem Krokodil vorsichtig. (The zookeeper carefully approaches the crocodile.)
• Wir beobachteten das Krokodil aus sicherer Entfernung. (We watched the crocodile from a safe distance.)
• Im Fluss schwimmen mehrere Krokodile. (Several crocodiles are swimming in the river.)

Everyday Usage

The term das Krokodil is primarily used to refer to the animal itself. It can appear in biological contexts, documentaries, zoos, or even metaphorically.

• Biology/Zoology: Describing the species, its habitat, and behavior.
• Everyday Speech: Often mentioned in relation to travel to areas where crocodiles live, or during zoo visits.
• Metaphorically: "Krokodilstränen weinen" (to cry crocodile tears) means to show hypocrisy or fake sadness. This derives from the old belief that crocodiles weep while eating their prey.

Compared to 'der Alligator' (the alligator), 'das Krokodil' denotes a specific group within the Crocodylia order, distinguished by features like snout shape and visible teeth when the mouth is closed.

Memory Aids (Eselsbrücken)

Article Mnemonic: Think of the neutral, dangerous animal (das Tier is also neuter). Many animal names in German are neuter ('das') unless they have strong masculine (der Löwe - lion) or feminine (die Kuh - cow) connotations. The neutral 'das' fits the image of the lurking, gender-neutral reptile in the water.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine the crocodile snapping its jaws – it makes a "Krok-o-deal" and grabs a big fish (or an unwary tourist 😉). The '-dil' ending sounds a bit like 'deal'.

Word Alternatives: Similar but Different

Common Confusion

• Der Alligator: Looks similar, but is a different species within the Crocodylia order (masculine!).
• Der Gavial: Also a related species with a very long, narrow snout (masculine!).
• Die Echse: General term for many reptiles, but crocodiles are not typical lizards ('Echsen') like geckos (feminine!).

A Little Chuckle 😄

German: Warum tragen Krokodile keine Schuhe?

Weil sie schon Krokodil-Leder haben!

English Translation: Why don't crocodiles wear shoes?

Because they already have crocodile leather! (Pun on 'Leder' meaning leather)

A Little Crocodile Rhyme

German:
Das Krokodil, so sagt man schlau,
liegt still im Wasser, grau in grau.
Mit scharfen Zähnen, großem Maul,
ist's besser, wenn man nicht hinfául'.
Es schnappt nach allem, was da kreucht,
und zieht es in sein nasses Reich.
Drum merke dir, ob groß, ob klein:
Das Krokodil lässt man allein!

English Translation:
The crocodile, so they cleverly say,
Lies still in the water, gray in gray.
With sharp teeth, a large snout,
It's better if you don't hang about.
It snaps at everything that crawls near,
And pulls it into its watery sphere.
So remember, whether big or small:
Leave the crocodile alone, that's all!

Who Am I? A Crocodile Riddle

German:
Ich liege oft ganz still im Nass,
mein Panzer schützt mich ohne Maß.
Mein Maul ist groß, die Zähne spitz,
ich sorge oft für Schreck und Witz.
Man sagt, ich weine falschen Schmerz,
doch bin ein Reptil mit starkem Herz.
Mein Artikel ist sächlich, merk es dir!
Wer bin ich wohl, sag es mir!

English Translation:
I often lie quite still in the wet,
My armor protects me, you can bet.
My mouth is large, my teeth are sharp,
I often cause fright and witty carp.
They say I cry with false pain,
But I'm a reptile with a strong main (heart).
My article is neuter, remember this, dear!
Who am I then, tell me here!

Solution: Das Krokodil (The Crocodile)

Interesting Facts 💡

• Word Origin: The word 'Krokodil' comes from the Greek word 'krokódeilos' (κροκόδειλος), which likely meant 'pebble worm', possibly due to its armored skin.
• Crocodile Tears (Krokodilstränen): The expression 'to cry crocodile tears' for faked sadness comes from the fact that crocodiles often secrete fluid from glands near their eyes while eating, which looks like crying.
• Species Diversity: There are over a dozen different crocodile species worldwide, including the Nile crocodile (das Nilkrokodil) and the saltwater crocodile (das Leistenkrokodil).