An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Nelke

by Friedrich Kluge

Nelke, f., ‘pink carnation,’ a LG. form for Nägelchen (LG. negęlkin), n.; in MidHG. nęgellîn, n., ‘clove.’ Comp. Ic. negull, m., ‘clove,’ Du. nagelbloem, ‘carnation.’