scabies
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scabies
A contagious skin disease caused by the itch mite that produces severe itching.
Im Kindergarten gab es einen Fall von Krätze, daher müssen jetzt alle Kinder untersucht werden.
There was a case of scabies at the kindergarten, so now all the children have to be examined.
The word 'Krätze' (scabies) is closely related to the verb 'kratzen' (to scratch). This helps with remembering it, because the severe itching that forces you to scratch is the main symptom of the disease.
Wenn die Haut ständig juckt, sollte man einen Arzt aufsuchen, um Krätze auszuschließen.
If the skin itches constantly, you should see a doctor to rule out scabies.
When referring to the disease, 'Krätze' (scabies) is almost always used in the singular and either without an article or with the definite article. Typical verbs are 'haben' (to have) or 'bekommen' (to get).
Man kann Krätze durch engen Hautkontakt bekommen.
You can get scabies through close skin contact.
This meaning is strongly colloquial and derogatory. It is an insult and should only be used with great caution, as it is very rude.
Nenn ihn nicht so, auch wenn du ihn nicht magst. Niemand ist 'eine Krätze'.
Don't call him that, even if you don't like him. Nobody is 'eine Krätze' (a nasty person).
When 'Krätze' is used with the indefinite article ('eine') and the verb 'sein' (to be) to describe a person, the insulting meaning is intended. If people are talking about medicine, hygiene, or itching, the disease is meant.
Er ist so ein unfreundlicher Mensch, für mich ist er eine richtige Krätze.
He is such an unfriendly person; to me, he is a real nasty piece of work.
plague / nuisance
'die Plage' and 'die Krätze' can both colloquially refer to a very unpleasant or annoying person. 'Plage' is more general and less harsh; it can also be an annoying thing or situation. 'Krätze' is strongly derogatory and insulting when used for a person. Also, 'die Krätze' is actually a skin disease as well. Learners may confuse the words because both sound negative. The safer choice is: use 'Plage' for something annoying, and use 'Krätze' only in very colloquial, crude language and with caution.
Nach dem Streit sagte Max wütend, dieser Typ sei die reinste Krätze.
After the argument, Max angrily said that guy was a real nasty piece of work.
Der neue Wecker ist eine Plage, weil er viel zu laut klingelt.
The new alarm clock is a nuisance because it rings much too loudly.