An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Gurke

by Friedrich Kluge

Gurke, f., ‘cucumber,’ first occurs in early ModHG.; corresponding to Du. agurkje, E. gherkin, Dan. agurke; borrowed from Pol. ogurek, Bohem. okurka; the latter has been derived from late Gr. ἀγγούριον, ‘water-melon,’ and further from Pers. ankhara. In UpG. (also in the Wetter and Hess. dials.) Kukumer is used instead of Gurke.