An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Schnecke

by Friedrich Kluge

Schnecke, f., ‘snail, slug, spiral staircase,’ from MidHG. snëcke, m., ‘snail, tortoise, spiral staircase,’ OHG. snëcko, m., ‘snail’; corresponding to LG. snigge (Goth. *snigga, m., is wanting). Goth. *snagils is implied by MidHG. snęgel, ModHG. (Hess.) Schnegel, ‘snail,’ LG. snagel, AS. snœgel, E. snail. Comp. further OIc. snigell.