Kröte

Kröte is a German word that translates to "toad" in English. Toads are amphibians belonging to the order Anura, which also includes frogs. They are characterized by their dry, warty skin, shorter legs, and more terrestrial lifestyle compared to frogs. Toads typically lay their eggs in long strings, whereas frogs lay them in clusters. While many people associate toads with warts, these are actually glands that secrete a mild toxin, not a cause of warts in humans.

In German culture, the toad can appear in various contexts. It is sometimes used metaphorically to describe something unpleasant or ugly. However, it can also feature in folklore and fairy tales, sometimes as a creature that can be transformed, such as in the classic tale of "The Frog Prince," where the protagonist is a prince under a curse. The term "Kröte" can also refer to slang for money in some German dialects, particularly older slang, where a "Kröte" might represent a small sum. This usage is less common in modern everyday language. The natural world understanding of Kröte as a toad remains its primary and most widely understood meaning.