knacken
Translation
to crack, to click, to pop, to break into
Examples
Er kann Nüsse mit den Zähnen knacken.
He can crack nuts with his teeth.
Mein Knie knackt beim Treppensteigen.
My knee clicks when climbing stairs.
Die Diebe versuchten, den Safe zu knacken.
The thieves tried to crack the safe.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to crack sth. He cracks a nut.
Similar Words
Synonyms: brechen (to break), aufbrechen (to break open)
Etymology
Onomatopoeic, from the sound of something breaking or snapping sharply.
Memory Tips
Think of the 'crack' sound when you crack a nut or your knuckles. The word sounds like the action.