An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Klee

by Friedrich Kluge

Klee, m., ‘clover,’ from the equiv. MidHG. klê (gen. k'êwes), m., OHG. chlê, chlêo (gen. chlêwes). m. and n.; based on klaiw- (see See, Schnee). The remaining LG. dials., have an extended form, in some cases only partially corresponding, AS. clœ̂fre, clâfre, f., E. clover, Du. klaver, LG. klever and klȧver, ‘clover.’ Perhaps these are based on some obscure compound. Except in the West Teut. languages, too, there are no terms cognate with HG. Klee; in Scand., Ic. smári (smœrur), Norw. and Swed. (dial.) smœre are used; Dan. klöver is borrowed.