German word

Knappe

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈknapə/

Meaning

  • masculine nounsquire

Example

Das Gepäck des Knappen war sehr schwer.

The squire's luggage was very heavy.

Illustration for Knappe (squire)

More examples

Auf dem Mittelaltermarkt verkleidet sich manchmal jemand als Knappe.

At the medieval market, someone sometimes dresses up as a squire.

Core concept

A young attendant stays at a knight's side, handling equipment and everyday tasks.

Similar words

Diener: A domestic worker who takes care of personal needs and household chores.
Page: A young attendant who serves a noble person and carries out general errands.
Knecht: A hired hand doing practical work on a farm or in a household.

Definition in German

Knappe bezeichnet historisch einen jungen Helfer eines Ritters, der beim Anlegen der Rüstung und im Dienst assistiert.

Word origin

Knappe comes from Middle High German knappe, from a Germanic word related to Knabe and originally denoting a boy or young servant.

Usage tips

  • Knappe is a weak masculine noun: der Knappe, des Knappen, and the plural die Knappen.

Other meanings

  • pagenoun

Word lists with this word