scribble
das Gekritzel
Loading your saved state.
scribble
Hard-to-read handwriting or a messy, barely recognizable drawing. The word usually expresses a negative evaluation.
Ich kann dein Gekritzel auf dem Einkaufszettel nicht entziffern.
I can't make out your scribble on the shopping list.
scribbling
Untidy or thoughtless writing and drawing. The word is usually used in a derogatory way.
Hör bitte mit dem Gekritzel auf und pass im Unterricht auf!
Please stop scribbling and pay attention in class!
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Gekritzels |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Gekritzel | – |
| accusative | das Gekritzel | – |
| dative | dem Gekritzel | – |
| genitive | des Gekritzels | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Gekritzel' (scribble) is derived from 'kritzeln' (to scribble) and refers either to the result or the activity of writing and drawing in an untidy way. The formation with 'Ge-' can also be found in other nouns that summarize an activity or its result.
Auf dem Rand des Hefts ist überall Gekritzel zu sehen.
There are scribbles all over the margin of the notebook.
When 'Gekritzel' refers to hard-to-read handwriting or a drawing, it is often used with verbs such as 'entziffern' (to decipher), 'lesen' (to read), or 'erkennen' (to recognize). Common collocations also include 'unleserliches Gekritzel' (illegible scribbling) and 'Gekritzel auf einem Zettel' (scribbling on a note).
Die Ärztin konnte das Gekritzel auf dem alten Rezept kaum entziffern.
The doctor could barely decipher the scribbling on the old prescription.
For the activity, 'Gekritzel' is often used with verbs such as 'aufhören mit' (to stop) or 'anfangen mit' (to start). The word following 'mit' is in the dative.
Kaum hatte der Vortrag begonnen, fing sie wieder mit ihrem Gekritzel an.
As soon as the lecture began, she started scribbling again.
