Krallen

Krallen is the plural form of the German noun Kralle, meaning claws. The term refers to the keratinous, curved appendages at the ends of digits in many animals, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. In zoological and veterinary contexts, Krallen describe the external claws as well as their functional roles in grasping, climbing, digging, defense, and locomotion.

Biologically, claws are made primarily of keratin and are anchored to the distal phalanges. In mammals, claws can be retractable, as in many felids, or permanently exposed, as in canids. In birds of prey, the equivalent structures are talons, which are typically strong, curved claws used to seize and hold prey. Claws grow throughout life and may require trimming in domestic animals to prevent overgrowth and related problems. Variation in shape and size reflects ecological needs such as digging, tearing, or grasping.

Etymologically, Krallen derives from the German word Kralle, with roots in older Germanic languages. The term is widely used across scientific descriptions, veterinary manuals, wildlife literature, and everyday language to denote claw-like features in a broad range of species, as well as metaphorically to convey notions of grasping or seizing.

See also: Kralle, Klaue, Talon.