In German
Schildkröte
Meaning: turtle
Formal or informal? “Die Schildkröte” is the general word for a turtle or tortoise. “Die Kröte” means a toad.
Example sentences
DieSchildkröteistsehrlangsam.
The turtle is very slow.
EineSchildkrötelebtimGarten.
A turtle lives in the garden.
DieSchildkrötenschlafenimWinter.
The turtles sleep in winter.
Grammar note
“Die Schildkröte” is feminine. The plural is “die Schildkröten”, with an -n ending.
Common mistake
Don't confuse “Schildkröte” (turtle) with “Kröte” (toad). The second is a shorter word for a different animal.
Quick check
Which German word means “turtle”?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What is the German for “toad”?
“Die Kröte”.
What is the plural of “Schildkröte”?
“Schildkröten”, with an -n ending.