Pronunciation: [nˈɛlkən] (IPA) 
Nelken is the German word for "carnations". The word is spelled with the "n" sound followed by "e", pronounced as "eh" in German. The "l" sound in nelken is pronounced the same as in English, but with a slight guttural sound, IPA [l̩]. The "k" sound in nelken is pronounced as a hard "k" sound in German, IPA [k]. The second "e" in nelken is also pronounced as "eh". Therefore, the correct pronunciation of nelken in German is [ˈnɛlkən].
Nelken is a German term that translates to "carnations" in English. The word refers to a type of flowering plant that belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae and the genus Dianthus. Carnations are herbaceous perennials, which means they have a long lifespan and produce flowers year after year.
Nelken have slender stems with linear-shaped leaves that are typically grayish-green in color. The flowers of the nelken plant are renowned for their distinct fragrance and vibrant colors, making them popular as cut flowers in flower arrangements and bouquets. The blossoms come in various shades, including white, pink, red, yellow, and purple. They have distinctive ruffled petals with serrated edges, giving them an elegant and delicate appearance.
Carnations have been cultivated for centuries, and their cultural significance varies throughout different regions and time periods. In many cultures, nelken symbolize love, affection, and admiration. They are often used in celebrations, weddings, and other special occasions to convey emotions and express sentiments.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, carnations are also valued for their medicinal properties. They have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, inflammation, and digestive problems.
Overall, nelken, or carnations, are beautiful and fragrant flowers that have a rich history and cultural significance. They bring joy to many with their stunning appearance and symbolize various emotions and occasions.
The word "nelken" is of German origin. It comes from the Middle High German word "nelke" or "negel", which ultimately derives from the Old High German word "negala". In turn, "negala" can be traced back to the Latin word "nagelum" and the Greek word "nagelon", both of which mean "nail". The name "nelke" was given to the flower due to its resemblance to the shape of a nail.
