An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Annotated/Mandel

by Friedrich Kluge

Mandel (1.), ‘fifteen,’ Modern High German only; the other meaning, which appears in earlier Modern High German, ‘shock of corn (of 15 sheaves),’ may be the older. The German word cannot be etymologically explained. (Middle Latin mandala, ‘15 articles,’ is met with even in the 13th century); its relation to Dutch mand, English maund, ‘basket,’ is obscure.

Mandel (2.), feminine, ‘almond,’ from the equivalent Middle High German mandel, Old High German mandala, feminine; from Italian mandola; corresponding lo Middle Latin and Provençal amandola, French amande (hence Dutch amandel, English almond). Greek ἀμυγδάλη is usually regarded as the ultimate source of these cognates.