An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Zacken

by Friedrich Kluge

Zacken, m., ‘point, peak, prong, tooth (of a comb),’ from the equiv. MidHG. (MidG.) zacke, m. and f.; properly a MidG. and LG. word. Comp. Du. tak, m., ‘twig, branch, point,’ North Fris. tâk, ‘point,’ to which OIc. tág, m., ‘willow twig,’ E. tack, are also probably allied. The latter are perhaps primit. cognate with Sans. daçâ, ‘fringe,’ or with Gr. δοκός, ‘beam’ (Teut. takko-, Aryan dokno-?). It is uncertain whether Zinke is allied.