German word

kratzen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈkʁatsn̩/

Meaning

  • verbscratch

Example

Die Katze kratzt das Sofa.

The cat is scratching the sofa.

Illustration for kratzen (scratch)

More examples

Der Artikel kratzt nur an dem Thema.

The article only scratches the surface of the topic.

Core concept

A claw or pointed tip drags across a surface, leaving a line or causing a sharp irritation.

Common phrases

  • sich am Kopf kratzen

    scratch one's head

  • an einem Thema kratzen

    scratch the surface of a topic

Similar words

schrammen: To make shallow scrape marks or scuffs on a surface.
schaben: To scrape a surface with a blade or hard edge, removing some material.
ritzen: To score a thin line into a surface with a sharp object.
zerkratzen: To scratch a surface heavily, leaving widespread damage.

Definition in German

Mit den Fingernägeln oder einem spitzen Gegenstand an einer Oberfläche entlangfahren und dabei eine Spur, einen Kratzer oder Schmerz verursachen.

Word origin

German kratzen continues the older forms Middle High German kratzen and Old High German chrazzon.

Usage tips

  • The reflexive form sich kratzen means to scratch one's own skin, while a direct object names the thing being scratched.

Opposites

  • streichelnstrokeverb

Related words

  • Kratzerscratchnoun
  • kratzbürstigcantankerousadjective

Word lists with this word