kratzig
scratchy
Rough and uncomfortable, causing irritation or a scratching sensation on the skin.
EXAMPLE
Der kratzige Wollpullover fühlt sich unangenehm auf der Haut an.
The scratchy wool sweater feels uncomfortable against the skin.
kratzig
scratchy
kratzig – kratziger – am kratzigsten
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Meanings
kratzig
scratchy
Having a rough, hoarse, or irritated sound, especially when describing a voice.
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Nacht war seine Stimme kratzig und heiser.
After the long night, his voice was scratchy and hoarse.
kratzig
scratchy
Having a rough, uncomfortable feeling in the throat that makes you want to clear your throat or cough, for example at the beginning of a cold.
EXAMPLE
Seit dem Aufwachen ist mein Hals ganz kratzig, ich glaube, ich werde krank.
My throat has been really scratchy since I woke up. I think I'm getting sick.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry kratzig, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | kratzig |
|---|---|
| comparative | kratziger |
| superlative | am kratzigsten |
After der, die, das
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to kratzig.
After ein, eine
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to kratzig.
Without article
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to kratzig.
Usage tips
Word family
In 'kratzig' (scratchy), you can recognize the stem 'kratz-' from the verb 'kratzen' (to scratch). This connection helps you remember the word: a fabric can feel unpleasantly rough, and a voice can sound that way.
EXAMPLE
Die Decke ist so kratzig, dass ich sie nicht direkt auf der Haut haben möchte.
The blanket is so scratchy that I don't want it directly against my skin.
Am Ende des Vortrags klang ihre Stimme kratzig.
By the end of the presentation, her voice sounded scratchy.
Typical collocations
For clothing and materials, typical collocations include 'kratzige Wolle' (scratchy wool), 'kratziger Stoff' (scratchy fabric), and 'ein kratziges Etikett' (a scratchy label). These phrases often explain why someone doesn't like wearing something.
EXAMPLE
Das kratzige Etikett im Nacken stört mich beim Tragen des Hemdes.
The scratchy label at the back of my neck bothers me when I wear the shirt.
Describing a voice
For voices, the pattern 'kratzig klingen' (to sound scratchy) is especially useful. You can also use 'mit kratziger Stimme' (in a scratchy voice) to describe how someone speaks.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Konzert klang seine Stimme kratzig.
After the concert, his voice sounded scratchy.
Sie begrüßte uns mit kratziger Stimme.
She greeted us in a scratchy voice.
In real life
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