An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Dreck

by Friedrich Kluge

Dreck, m., ‘dirt, mire, filth, dung,’ from the equiv. MidHG. drëc (gen. -ckes), m., ‘dirt’; OHG. *drëcch, Goth. *þrikk, m., are supported by OIc. þrekkr, m., ‘dirt’ (Dan. dräck). Perhaps derived from the meaning ‘sediment, lees,’ so that Gr. τρύξ, τρυγός, ‘lees, sediment, fresh must’ (with υ for o?), may perhaps be compared.