An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/rasseln

by Friedrich Kluge

rasseln, vb., ‘to rattle, clatter,’ from MidHG. raȥȥeln (from raȥȥen), ‘to bluster, rave,’ but based in meaning on LG. rateln, ‘to clatter’; comp. MidHG. ratzen, ‘to rattle,’ Du. rateln, ‘to clatter, chatter,’ ratel, ‘rattle, clapper,’ AS. hrœtele, E. rattle. The Teut. root hrat appearing in these words is connected with Gr. κραδαίνω, ‘I swing.’