der Kratzer
scratch
A superficial, usually line-shaped mark or damage on a surface, caused by a sharp or rough object.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe einen tiefen Kratzer im neuen Parkettboden entdeckt.
I discovered a deep scratch in the new parquet floor.
der Kratzer
scratch
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Meanings
der Kratzer
scratch
A minor, superficial skin injury, often caused by an animal's claws or a pointed object.
EXAMPLE
Meine Katze hat mir beim Spielen einen Kratzer am Arm verpasst.
My cat gave me a scratch on my arm while we were playing.
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Kratzer' (scratch) is the noun related to the verb 'kratzen' (to scratch). The noun describes the result of the action: when a cat scratches, it leaves a scratch.
EXAMPLE
Pass auf, dass du mit dem Schlüssel keinen Kratzer in die Tür machst.
Be careful not to make a scratch in the door with the key.
Sentence structure and usage pattern
To describe the location of a scratch, German usually uses the prepositions 'in' or 'auf' with the dative. 'In' is used when the damage is in the material, and 'auf' when it is on the surface.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Parken war ein neuer Kratzer in der Autotür.
After parking, there was a new scratch in the car door.
Typical collocations
Scratches are often described more precisely with adjectives such as 'tief' (deep), 'leicht' (minor), or 'oberflächlich' (superficial). Common verbs are 'einen Kratzer haben' (to have a scratch) or 'einen Kratzer machen' (to make a scratch).
EXAMPLE
Es ist nur ein oberflächlicher Kratzer, den kann man leicht wegpolieren.
It's only a superficial scratch; it can easily be polished out.
In real life
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