01
jucken
to itch
To cause an unpleasant feeling on the skin that creates the urge to scratch.
example
Der Mückenstich auf meinem Arm juckt unerträglich.
The mosquito bite on my arm itches unbearably.
jucken
to itch
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The grammar reveals the meaning. If a body part is the subject, it means 'to itch'. The fixed negative phrase 'Es juckt mich nicht' always means 'I don't care'.
EXAMPLE
Mein Rücken juckt schrecklich.
My back itches terribly.
Sentence structure: body
To describe an itch, the body part can be the subject. Alternatively, you can use the impersonal form 'Es juckt mich an/auf...' (It itches me on...).
EXAMPLE
Mein ganzer Arm juckt.
My whole arm itches.
Fixed expression
The colloquial meaning is used in a fixed structure: 'Es juckt + person in the accusative + (nicht)' (It does/doesn't matter to [person]). The subject is always 'es'.
EXAMPLE
Es juckt ihn nicht, dass er zu spät ist.
He doesn't care that he's late.
Register: colloquial
The meaning 'to interest' or 'to matter' is very informal and is mainly used in spoken language. It often expresses indifference.
EXAMPLE
Ganz ehrlich? Deine Meinung juckt mich nicht die Bohne.
Honestly? I couldn't care less about your opinion.
Compare with
jucken vs interessieren
to interest
'interessieren' and 'jucken' can both express that something is important or interesting to someone. 'interessieren' is neutral and fits almost all situations: you can be interested in a topic, or a topic can interest someone. In this meaning, 'jucken' is colloquial and is almost always used in negative sentences, for example 'Das juckt mich nicht' (I don't care about that). It then means: I don't care. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with interest. As a practical rule: use 'interessieren' for normal interest. Use 'nicht jucken' for casual, rather direct indifference.
jucken
Die Meinung der anderen juckt ihn nicht.
He doesn't care about other people's opinions.
interessieren
Im Kurs interessieren wir uns besonders für die Termine der Prüfung.
In the course, we are especially interested in the exam dates.
In real life
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