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Schnappi
View on Wikipedia| Schnappi das kleine Krokodil | |
|---|---|
| Die Sendung mit der Maus character | |
![]() | |
| Created by | Tobias Gärd |
| Portrayed by | Joy Gruttmann |
| In-universe information | |
| Nickname | TorMor Baby |
| Species | Nile crocodile |
| Gender | Male |
Schnappi das kleine Krokodil (Snappy the Little Crocodile) is a cartoon character originating from the German children's show Die Sendung mit der Maus (The Show with the Mouse). The cartoon's introductory song, "Schnappi, das kleine Krokodil," became an Internet hit and it reached #1 on the German Singles chart in January 2005 and other European countries as well, topping the singles charts in Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.[1]
Background
[edit]Schnappi is a one-time character in a popular animated German children's TV show called Die Sendung mit der Maus (The Show With the Mouse). In the episode in which Schnappi appears, Schnappi sings a song about life in Egypt using simple language in German.
Joy Gruttmann (who sings the song) is the niece of composer Iris Gruttmann, and since 1999 she has sung children's songs for ARD's children's broadcast Die Sendung mit der Maus. In February 2001, when she was five years old, she sang her fifth song, "Schnappi, das kleine Krokodil."
Commercial success
[edit]In 2004 Schnappi became popular on the Internet. Radio station RauteMusik began playing Schnappi, which led to a single release of "Schnappi, das kleine Krokodil" in December 2004. The single reached number one on Germany's GfK Entertainment Chart on January 3, 2005, staying at the top for 10 weeks.[2] The song was then released worldwide and peaked at number one in Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland in early 2005.[1] It was translated into a French version titled "Crocky le petit crocodile", a Lithuanian version called "Šnapis mažas klokodilas", and a Japanese version entitled "Togetogeshi, chiisai wani" (刺々し、小さい鰐). Belgian techno group Dynamite released a cover version that charted at number three in Belgium while the original version was still topping the chart.[3]
In April, the song began to experience success in Australasia. It made its first chart appearance on New Zealand's Recorded Music NZ (then RIANZ) chart at number 32 on April 25.[4] The next week, it jumped to number three before reaching number two for the first time on its third week in. Between May 9 and July 18, the single fluctuated around the top 10, eventually spending five non-consecutive weeks at number two, denied the top position by Savage's "Moonshine", The Black Eyed Peas' "Don't Phunk with My Heart", and Crazy Frog's version of "Axel F". It remained in the top 10 until September 12.[5] On July 17, the song debuted at number 20 on Australia's ARIA Singles Chart, reaching a peak of number six on August 21.[6]
A studio album, Schnappi und Seine Freunde was released through Polydor Records in February 2005. It peaked at number five in Finland, number two in Germany, and number one in Austria.[7] A second single, "Ein Lama in Yokohama" (credited as "Schnappi und das Lama"), was released in April 2005 and became another top ten single in Austria, Germany and Norway.[8] It narrowly missed the top 10 in New Zealand, reaching number 11, and peaked at number 26 in Australia.[6] It became Schnappi's last hit in both countries. In November 2005, "Jing! Jingeling! Der Weihnachtsschnappi!" was released and peaked at number three in Norway, marking Schnappi's last hit in Europe.[9] The second and final studio album, Schnappi's Winterfest, was released in December 2005, charting in Austria and Germany at numbers 43 and 25, respectively.[10]
In 2005, Schnappi das kleine Krokodil – 3 Fun-Games, a PlayStation game based on Schnappi was released in Germany. It is notable for being the final game released for the system worldwide, barring homebrew titles.
Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]- Schnappi und Seine Freunde (2004)
- Schnappi's Winterfest (2005)
Singles
[edit]- "Schnappi, das kleine Krokodil" (2004)
- "Ein Lama in Yokohama" (2005)
- "Jing! Jingeling! Der Weihnachtsschnappi!" (2005)
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "Schnappi - Schnappi, das kleine Krokodil". Ultratop. Retrieved 16 August 2017.
- ^ "German single charts". Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved 23 May 2013.
- ^ "Vlaanderen - De enige echte officiële hitparade". Ultratop. Retrieved 16 August 2017.
- ^ "25/04/2005". Retrieved 16 August 2017.
- ^ "SCHNAPPI - SCHNAPPI, DAS KLEINE KROKODIL (SONG)". Retrieved 16 August 2017.
- ^ a b "SCHNAPPI - SCHNAPPI, DAS KLEINE KROKODIL (SONG)". Retrieved 16 August 2017.
- ^ "Schnappi - Schnappi und seine Freunde". Retrieved 16 August 2017.
- ^ "Schnappi und das Lama - Ein Lama in Yokohama". Retrieved 16 August 2017.
- ^ "SCHNAPPI - JING! JINGELING! DER WEIHNACHTSSCHNAPPI! (SONG)". Retrieved 16 August 2017.
- ^ "SCHNAPPI - SCHNAPPI'S WINTERFEST (ALBUM)". Retrieved 16 August 2017.
External links
[edit]- Schnappi at IMDb
- Schnappi video
- Official website (in German)
- lyrics (in german)
- lyrics (english translation)
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (February 2008) |
Schnappi
View on GrokipediaOrigins and Creation
Early Development
The song "Schnappi, das kleine Krokodil" originated in 1999 when Iris Gruttmann, a German composer and producer specializing in children's music, wrote it as a simple nursery rhyme without the later-famous "Schni-Schna-Schnappi" refrain. Intended purely as educational content for young children, the initial version featured basic lyrics about a little crocodile in the Nile, drawing from a text by Rosita Blissenbach that Gruttmann adapted.[5][6] Joy Gruttmann, Iris's niece and then aged four, provided the first performance in a family setting that same year, marking her early involvement in her aunt's musical projects for children. By 2001, when Joy was five, the song was recorded and included on the nursery rhyme sampler album Iris Lieder – Lied für mich, part of a series of music cassettes aimed at preschoolers with no commercial ambitions beyond basic distribution. This release remained largely unnoticed, serving primarily as supplementary material for home or educational use.[5][6][7] In 2003, the track appeared in the compilation album Großes und Kleines mit der Maus tied to the popular German children's TV program Die Sendung mit der Maus, where Joy had been contributing vocals to various songs since 1999, further embedding it in non-commercial, educational media for toddlers. The animated crocodile character, which would later become central to the song's identity, was introduced as a visual aid only in subsequent adaptations. Throughout this phase, the project's focus remained on fostering early childhood learning through simple, repetitive melodies rather than any broader market appeal.[7][6]Production and Release
Following the 2003 sampler release, Joy's family posted a version of the song online as a lighthearted joke, where it quickly spread via the internet and was picked up by radio stations in Munich, gaining viral attention and prompting its commercialization.[3] In 2004, Iris Gruttmann led the production of the commercial version of "Schnappi, das kleine Krokodil," adapting the song from its foundational non-commercial recordings made between 1999 and 2001 by incorporating the infectious refrain "Schni-Schna-Schnappi, Schnappi Schnappi schnapp" to boost its viral appeal.[8] Gruttmann composed the music and co-wrote the lyrics alongside Rosita Blissenbach, while Jochen Wagner contributed to the arrangements, resulting in a polished children's pop track produced under Gruttmann's direction.[9][10] The official single was released on December 6, 2004—coinciding with the ninth birthday of Joy Gruttmann, the young vocalist providing the voice for the Schnappi character—through Universal Music Group's Polydor label, marking the transformation of the home-recorded tune into a branded product under the fictional crocodile's name.[8][11][12] This launch included the creation of an animated cartoon music video, which visually brought the song's narrative to life by showing the anthropomorphic crocodile hatching from an egg along the Nile in Egypt and embarking on playful adventures.[8]The Character and Song
Schnappi the Crocodile
Schnappi is a fictional animated baby crocodile originating from Egypt, where he lives along the banks of the Nile River.[13] The character was introduced in 2004 in the German children's educational television program Die Sendung mit der Maus, a long-running series known for its simple, engaging animations aimed at young audiences. According to the narrative established in his introductory song, Schnappi's backstory begins when he hatches from an egg by biting through the shell with a decisive "schnapp," freeing himself into the world. This origin story portrays Schnappi as a curious young creature navigating his environment with enthusiasm and playfulness.[13] Schnappi's visual design embodies the straightforward, colorful cartoon aesthetic typical of Die Sendung mit der Maus, featuring bright green skin, oversized expressive eyes, and a cheerful, rounded form that conveys innocence and mischief. This style uses minimalistic lines and vibrant hues to captivate preschool viewers without overwhelming detail.[14] In both the original TV episode and the 2004 music video adaptation, Schnappi appears as an adventurous yet innocent child-like figure, embarking on simple escapades that emphasize exploration and joy, such as playing near the water. The character's snapping gesture, central to his persona, is briefly echoed in the song's refrain as a fun, onomatopoeic representation of his biting habit.[13]Lyrics and Musical Style
The lyrics of "Schnappi, das kleine Krokodil" center on the whimsical origin story of the titular young crocodile, set in Egypt along the Nile River. The narrative unfolds through simple verses that depict Schnappi hatching from an egg by snapping his way to freedom and playfully snapping at objects and family members with his sharp teeth. Composed in straightforward, repetitive German phrases, the lyrics employ child-friendly language to recount these milestones, creating an accessible and narrative-driven experience that mirrors a bedtime story.[13][15] A defining feature of the song is its infectious refrain, "Schni-Schna-Schnappi, Schnappi Schnappi schnapp," which phonetically imitates the snapping sound of a crocodile's jaws and was incorporated to heighten the track's memorability and fun. This chorus repeats after each verse, emphasizing the biting motif while providing a rhythmic hook that invites sing-alongs, particularly among children. The Egyptian setting serves as a light contextual backdrop for Schnappi's adventures, tying the character's habitat to the song's playful progression.[13][16] In terms of musical style, "Schnappi, das kleine Krokodil" embodies an upbeat children's novelty tune within the Schlager tradition, characterized by its straightforward melody and energetic tempo that evokes folk-like simplicity. The arrangement prominently features acoustic guitar strumming for a warm, approachable texture, complemented by light percussion and whimsical orchestral flourishes that enhance the song's joyful, animated feel. Clocking in at around 3 minutes, the compact structure keeps the energy high without overwhelming young listeners, prioritizing repetition and ease for repeated play.[17][18][19] Beyond entertainment, the song serves an educational purpose by weaving in elementary geography—highlighting the Nile River and Egypt—and basic zoological facts about crocodiles, such as hatching and predatory behaviors, all delivered through its engaging, participatory format. This blend of instruction and amusement makes it a staple for language learning and early childhood development, encouraging children to mimic the sounds and motions while absorbing the content.[20][13]Commercial Success
Chart Performance
"Schnappi, das kleine Krokodil" experienced substantial international chart success in early 2005, particularly in Europe, where it dominated several national singles charts for extended periods. The track debuted on the German Singles Chart in late 2004 but surged to the top position on January 3, 2005, holding #1 for 10 consecutive weeks and remaining on the chart for a total of 25 weeks.[12] Its momentum carried over to neighboring countries, achieving #1 status across multiple markets and demonstrating the song's broad appeal as a novelty children's tune. The following table summarizes the song's peak positions and durations at #1 in key European countries:| Country | Peak Position | Weeks at #1 | Total Weeks on Chart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | 1 | 11 | 34 |
| Belgium (Flanders) | 1 | 8 | 20 |
| Germany | 1 | 10 | 25 |
| Netherlands | 1 | 3 | 17 |
| Norway | 1 | 7 | 24 |
| Sweden | 1 | 3 | 31 |
| Switzerland | 1 | 8 | 30 |
Sales and Certifications
The single "Schnappi, das kleine Krokodil" sold over 1 million physical copies in Germany, earning a 2× Platinum certification from the Bundesverband Musikindustrie (BVMI) (600,000 units). It also achieved multi-platinum status across Europe, including 2× Platinum in Austria from IFPI Austria (60,000 units) and Platinum in Switzerland.[27] The track's digital success was recognized with the ECHO Award for Download of the Year in 2005, presented by the Deutsche Phono-Akademie.[28] The accompanying album Schnappi und seine Freunde contributed additional revenue through physical sales, certified Platinum in Germany for 200,000 units by the BVMI.[29] Overall, Schnappi's releases generated millions in revenue for Universal Music Group via physical singles, albums, and digital formats.[30]Discography
Albums
Schnappi und seine Freunde, the debut studio album by the animated crocodile character Schnappi, was released in February 2005 by Universal Music Group through its Polydor label.[31][32] The album features 17 tracks, blending original songs with covers of traditional children's tunes, centered on themes of friendship, animal adventures, and playful learning experiences voiced primarily by 9-year-old Joy Gruttmann.[33][34] It includes the breakout lead single "Schnappi, das kleine Krokodil" and incorporates elements from the associated children's TV segments, such as songs about various animals and daily antics.[35] The tracklist for Schnappi und seine Freunde is as follows:- Schnappi
- Mahlzeit
- Ein Pinguin
- Ein Lama In Yokohama
- Känguru
- Sieben Hummeln
- Ri-Ra-Rad
- Krötenkäpt'n
- Teddybärtanz
- Hase Moppel
- Das Kleine Nilpferd
- Abends Am Nil
- Schnappi (Karaoke Version)
- Mahlzeit (Karaoke Version)
- Ein Lama In Yokohama (Karaoke Version)
- Krötenkäpt'n (Karaoke Version)
- Das Kleine Nilpferd (Karaoke Version) [31][35]
- Jing! Jingeling! Der Weihnachtsschnappi!
- Wichtelweihnacht
- Weihnachtsgrüße Von Schnappi
- Im Weihnachtswald
- Tante Billas Weihnachtsvilla
- Weihnachtsfest Mit Hase Moppel
- Flaschenpost
- In Der Haifischbar
- Flockenflug
- Schokoweihnachtsmann
- Schlittenfahrt
- Sternschnapper
- Christkind [37][39]

