An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Annotated/Kröte

by Friedrich Kluge

Kröte, feminine, from the equivalent Middle High German krote, kröte, krëte, feminine (even now dialectic Krote, Krotte), Old High German chrota, chrëta, feminine, ‘toad.’ The forms with ë and o are related by gradation; compare Brett and Bord. The word is peculiar to German; in Old Icelandic padda, Dutch padde, Anglo-Saxon tâdie, English toad. Etymologically all three are equally obscure.