Verkratzen

Verkratzen is a German verb formed with the prefix ver- added to kratzen. It denotes the act of scratching a surface in a way that leaves scratches or damages the surface. In everyday language it is used for surfaces such as paint, varnish, glass, wood, or metal to indicate that scratches have been made by contact with a rough or sharp object.

Etymology and form: The verb derives from kratzen (to scratch) with the prefixed ver-, which can convey the result or damage caused by the action. It is transitive and takes a direct object in the accusative, for example: einen Lack verkratzen. The past participle is verkratzt, as in Ich habe den Lack verkratzt.

Usage notes: Verkratzen emphasizes damage to a surface caused by scratching. It is common in contexts such as automotive finish, furniture, and consumer goods. It is more specific than einfach kratzen and often overlaps with or is replaced by verschrammen (to scratch and mar) or zerkratzen (to scratch to pieces) when different degrees of damage are intended.

Reflexive use: In standard German, the reflexive form sich verkratzen is rare and often replaced by sich kratzen or by other expressions describing itching or scratching one’s skin. In some dialects or colloquial registers, sich verkratzen may appear but is less common in formal prose.

Examples: Der Lack des Autos wurde durch den Kies verkratzt. Die Scheibe ist verkratzt worden. Die Scheibe der Oldtimer-Großscheibe wurde von einem spitzen Stein verkratzt.

See also: Kratzen, Kratzer, Verschrammen, Zerkratzen.