The German word Kraut is a generic term for certain edible plants. It can be a shortened form of Sauerkraut, but it also denotes, especially in its plural form ("Kräuter"), what in English is called herbs. For example, Kräutertee is herbal tea.
In the English language (but not in German), Kraut has also come to be used as a derogatory term for a German, based on Sauerkraut which originated in German cuisine.
