The word cancer in German is surprisingly rich. It covers three distinct meanings: the disease, the zodiac sign, and the crab. Whether you’re reading the news, a horoscope, or ordering seafood, Krebs might appear — making it a powerful word to learn and understand in context.
The word is Krebs — pronounced “KREHPS,” like “crepes” with a hard b sound instead of p. It rhymes with steps but starts with a Kr-.
Krebs is masculine, so it’s der Krebs. The plural is die Krebse, used mostly when referring to multiple crabs or zodiac symbols. The disease typically stays singular. For more help with gender, see my gender video lesson.
Krebs is one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German — thanks to how often it's used in both science and everyday conversation.
Examples in all four cases:
Nominative:
Der Krebs ist heilbar, wenn er früh erkannt wird.
Cancer is curable if detected early.
Accusative:
Ich habe den Krebs im Aquarium gefüttert.
I fed the crab in the aquarium.
Dative:
Sie hilft dem Krebs mit Medikamenten.
She is helping the cancer patient with medication.
Genitive:
Die Eigenschaften des Krebses sind Sensibilität und Treue.
The traits of Cancer (zodiac) are sensitivity and loyalty.
Real-World Tips for Learners
Krebs is a word that demands careful interpretation. In a medical context, Krebs refers to cancer — one of the most serious topics in any language. But in everyday speech, it can also mean:
der Flusskrebs – freshwater crab/crawfish
der Krebs als Sternzeichen – the Cancer zodiac sign
der rote Krebs – the red crab (animal)
jemand hat Krebs – someone has cancer
If you see it with a verb like bekommen (to get), heilen (to heal), or behandeln (to treat), it’s likely about illness. If it appears in a horoscope, it’s astrological. And if it’s in a menu or biology class, it’s a crustacean.
This makes Krebs a great example of why context matters when learning German.
Beginner dialogue using Krebs:
A: Was ist dein Sternzeichen?
B: Ich bin Krebs – und du?
A: What’s your zodiac sign?
B: I’m Cancer – and you?
Now it’s your turn. Think of your answer and say it aloud using Krebs.
“Kennst du jemanden, der Krebs hatte – oder bist du im Sternzeichen Krebs geboren?”
Do you know someone who had cancer — or were you born under the Cancer zodiac sign?
Say your answer out loud in German and include Krebs in the sentence.
German Word of the Day
Now you know how to say cancer in German — and how der Krebs can mean disease, crab, or a star sign depending on the context.
Download the free illustrated PDF of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German and keep growing your vocabulary with depth and confidence.
Ready for more German Words of the Day?
Check out Krieger — perfect for fantasy, history, and expressing courage.
Or revisit Krise — a powerful word for describing challenge and change.