marten
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marten
A small, slender predator with a long body and short legs. Martens are known for sometimes biting through cables and hoses in cars.
Der Motor sprang nicht an, weil ein Marder das Zündkabel zerfressen hatte.
The engine would not start because a marten had chewed through the ignition cable.
In Germany, the 'Marder' (marten) is especially known for causing damage to cars by biting through cables and hoses in the engine compartment. This damage is colloquially called 'Marderschaden' (marten damage).
Meine Autowerkstatt hat bestätigt, dass es ein Marderschaden war.
My auto repair shop confirmed that it was marten damage.
When talking about damage caused by martens, verbs like 'durchbeißen' (to bite through), 'zerbeißen' (to chew up), or 'anfressen' (to gnaw at) are often used. These describe the destruction of soft car parts.
Ein Marder hat über Nacht den Kühlwasserschlauch durchgebissen.
A marten bit through the coolant hose overnight.
The word 'Marder' is part of several nouns that refer to the problem with the animals. The most important are 'der Marderschaden' (marten damage), 'der Marderschutz' (a protective device against martens), and 'die Marderfalle' (marten trap).
Nach dem zweiten Schaden haben wir einen Marderschutz im Auto installiert.
After the second case of damage, we installed a marten deterrent in the car.
badger
'der Dachs' and 'der Marder' both refer to predators that also occur in Europe. They can be confused because the badger belongs to the marten family. In everyday language, however, 'Marder' usually refers to a smaller, slender animal often known for damaging cars. A badger is larger and more powerful and has a striking black-and-white face. If you mean an animal with a broad body and a striped face, 'Dachs' fits. For a small animal that bites through cables in a car, people are more likely to say 'Marder'.
Ein Marder hat die Kabel im Auto meiner Nachbarin beschädigt.
A marten damaged the cables in my neighbor's car.
Nachts lief ein Dachs am Waldrand über den Weg.
At night, a badger crossed the path at the edge of the forest.