01
ritzen
to scratch
To cut or engrave a superficial, narrow line or scratch into a surface.
example
Er ritzte seine Initialen mit einem Messer in die Baumrinde.
He scratched his initials into the tree bark with a knife.
ritzen
to scratch / to cut
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning changes completely depending on whether the verb is reflexive or not. 'Sich ritzen' (to self-harm by cutting/scratching oneself) almost always refers to self-harm, while 'etwas ritzen' (to scratch/engrave something) describes engraving or scratching a surface.
EXAMPLE
Sie ritzte ein Herz in den Sand.
She scratched a heart into the sand.
Sentence structure and usage pattern
When engraving or scratching a surface, the structure 'etwas (accusative) in etwas (accusative) ritzen' is often used. The first accusative object is the sign or mark, and the second is the surface.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder ritzten ihre Namen in den alten Holztisch.
The children scratched their names into the old wooden table.
Sensitive context
The reflexive form 'sich ritzen' (to self-harm by cutting/scratching oneself) is a very serious and sensitive term from the field of psychology. It describes a form of self-harm and should be used with care.
EXAMPLE
Psychologen helfen Jugendlichen, die sich ritzen.
Psychologists help teenagers who self-harm.
Compare with
ritzen vs schneiden
to cut
'schneiden' and 'ritzen' both have to do with a sharp object. 'schneiden' is more general: you divide something, shorten something, or accidentally injure yourself with a knife or scissors. 'ritzen' more often means making a narrow, superficial line or a scratch in a surface. With skin, the difference is important: 'sich schneiden' often happens by accident, while 'sich ritzen' can mean intentional self-harm. Learners may confuse the words because both describe an injury or mark made by something sharp. A simple guideline is: deep or dividing is more likely 'schneiden'; superficial and line-shaped is more likely 'ritzen'.
ritzen
Der Schlüssel hat eine dünne Linie in den Tisch geritzt.
The key scratched a thin line into the table.
schneiden
Beim Kochen habe ich mich mit dem Messer in den Finger geschnitten.
While cooking, I cut my finger with the knife.
In real life
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