An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Kralle

by Friedrich Kluge

Kralle, f., ‘claw, talon, clutch,’ ModHG. only; wanting in the earlier periods. Allied to Gr. γράω, ‘to gnaw,’ Sans. root gras, ‘to devour’?. MidHG. krellen, ‘to scratch’ (Goth. *krazljan?), is more closely connected.