In Germany, the Wichtlein (meaning little Wights)(singular: Wichtlan) are little old long-bearded men, about 60 cm high, which haunt the mines of the southern land.
The Bohemians call the Wichtlein by the name of Haus-schmiedlein, little House-smiths, from their sometimes making a noise as if labouring hard at the anvil.
They are not so popular as in Wales, however, as they predict misfortune or death. They announce the doom of a miner by knocking three times distinctly, and when any lesser evil is about to befall him they are heard digging, pounding, and imitating other kinds of work.
They also like to hinder the miners in their work by undoing their labor or hiding/sabotaging their tools.