Krüppel

Krüppel is a German noun that historically means “cripple.” It has been used to describe a person with severe physical disability, particularly impairments affecting mobility or limb function. In contemporary German, the term is widely regarded as pejorative and offensive and is avoided in respectful discourse.

Etymology and usage have roots in the verb krüppeln (to cripple) and the noun Krüppel. The word appeared in medical, legal, and everyday language over several centuries, but its connotations shifted from neutral description to insult as social attitudes toward disability evolved.

Historically, Krüppel was used as a clinical or descriptive label in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In the mid-20th century, associations with dehumanizing language intensified, particularly in contexts influenced by eugenics and totalitarian propaganda. This history contributes to the term’s negative reception today.

Contemporary usage and alternatives: today the term is generally avoided in formal or respectful communication. Preferable language includes “Person mit Behinderung” (person with a disability) or “Behinderter” in contexts where person-first terminology is appropriate; in some contexts, “Behinderter” may still be considered outdated. When quoting historical texts, the term may be retained with critical framing or quotation marks.

In English, the direct equivalent “cripple” is likewise regarded as offensive in modern usage, with “person with a disability” or similar phrasing preferred in neutral writing. Related topics include disability rights and disability linguistics.