Kraut is aGerman word recorded in English from 1918 onwards as anethnic slur for a German, particularly a German soldier duringWorld War I andWorld War II.[1][2] Its earlier meaning in English was as a synonym forsauerkraut, a traditional Central and Eastern European food.[3]
In German, the term means "herb", or designates the leaves and stem of a plant as opposed to the root. The term is more often used in compound nouns for herbs, and also forcabbage and cabbage products:
The pluralKräuter is commonly used (herbs, weeds) when talking about spices, but is often replaced byGewürz which can refer to any spice.
It was recorded as acolloquial term for Germans by the mid-19th century. DuringWorld War I,Kraut came to be used in English as anethnic slur for a German. However, during World War I, it was mainly used by British soldiers; during World War II, it became used mainly by American soldiers and less so by British soldiers, who preferred the termsJerry orFritz.[citation needed]
The Bauer (farmer in German) Krauts were an atom-level[clarification needed] hockey team based inKitchener, Ontario (known as "Berlin, Ontario" prior to the outbreak of World War I); they were active in the 20th century.[4]
Krautrock is a popular term for a form of Germanexperimental rock of the late 1960s and 1970s. Krautrock was typified by acts such asAmon Düül II,Kraftwerk,Neu!,Tangerine Dream,Faust,Can andDavid Bowie on his "Berlin Trilogy" albumsLow,"Heroes", andLodger, as well as many others.
Kraut was the name of a New Yorkpunk rock band in the 1980s. Their song "All Twisted" was the first independentvideo to air onMTV.[citation needed]
"Magic Kraut" is the name of a song in the albumFresh byTeddybears.
Industrial rock bandKMFDM’s song “Kraut” appears on the b-side of their “Juke Joint Jezebel” single, and on theirExtra, Vol. 3 compilation.
Krauts with Attitude is the title of the record released in Germany in 1991; it is credited for playing a prominent role in establishing the Germanhip hop scene.[citation needed]
The Swedish indie rock bandPeter Bjorn and John composed the track titled "School of Kraut".
