01
zerkratzen
to scratch up
To damage the surface of something with many scratches made by sharp objects.
example
Pass auf, dass du die neue CD nicht zerkratzt.
Be careful not to scratch up the new CD.
zerkratzen
to scratch up
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
The prefix 'zer-' is inseparable and is always written together with the verb 'kratzen' (to scratch). Here, 'zer-' intensifies the meaning and implies damage or destruction of the surface.
EXAMPLE
Wer hat den Holztisch so zerkratzt?
Who scratched up the wooden table like that?
Reflexive or not
The use of the reflexive pronoun 'sich' changes the meaning. 'Etwas zerkratzen' (to scratch something up) means to damage someone else's surface or an external surface. 'Sich zerkratzen' (to scratch oneself) means to injure one's own skin.
EXAMPLE
Meine Katze hat die neue Couch zerkratzt.
My cat scratched up the new couch.
Typical objects
Typical objects that get scratched up are delicate surfaces. These include furniture, cars, glasses, eyeglasses, or a phone display, for example.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe aus Versehen das Display meines Handys mit dem Schlüssel zerkratzt.
I accidentally scratched up my phone display with my key.
Compare with
zerkratzen vs beschädigen
to damage
'beschädigen' and 'zerkratzen' both have to do with damage to an object. 'beschädigen' is more general: something may break, work less well, or look worse. 'zerkratzen' is more specific and means scratches on a surface, for example on a car, table, or phone. If you only want to say that something has damage, 'beschädigen' fits. If the damage consists of scratches, 'zerkratzen' is more precise and more natural.
zerkratzen
In der Tasche hat der Schlüssel das Display meines Handys zerkratzt.
In my bag, the key scratched up my phone screen.
beschädigen
Hat Herr Lange beim Tragen die neue Lampe beschädigt?
Did Mr. Lange damage the new lamp while carrying it?
In real life
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