der Blödsinn
nonsense
A statement, idea, or action that is stupid, pointless, or obviously wrong.
EXAMPLE
Glaub nicht alles, was er sagt, das meiste davon ist reiner Blödsinn.
Don't believe everything he says; most of it is pure nonsense.
der Blödsinn
nonsense
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Meanings
Blödsinn machen
to fool around
To do something stupid, thoughtless, or childish, often for fun or out of boredom.
EXAMPLE
Hört auf, Blödsinn zu machen und konzentriert euch auf die Hausaufgaben!
Stop fooling around and concentrate on your homework!
Usage tips
Word composition
'Blödsinn' (nonsense) is a compound word made up of 'blöd' (stupid) and 'Sinn' (sense). So it literally describes something that has a 'stupid sense,' meaning it is pointless.
EXAMPLE
Seine Idee war so blöd, dass alle lachen mussten.
His idea was so stupid that everyone had to laugh.
Uncountable noun
'Blödsinn' (nonsense) is an uncountable noun and is almost always used in the singular without an article or with 'der'. You cannot say 'ein Blödsinn' or 'viele Blödsinne'.
EXAMPLE
Red doch nicht so viel Blödsinn!
Don't talk so much nonsense!
Register
The word 'Blödsinn' (nonsense) belongs to colloquial language. It is used less often in formal or written contexts.
EXAMPLE
„Ach, Blödsinn!“, rief er und lachte.
'Oh, nonsense!' he shouted and laughed.
Fixed expression
The combination 'Blödsinn machen' (to fool around/do silly things) is a very common fixed expression. It means to do stupid or childish things, often for fun.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder haben den ganzen Nachmittag nur Blödsinn gemacht.
The children just fooled around all afternoon.
Compare with
Blödsinn vs Mist
crap / manure
Mist and Blödsinn can both be used to reject a claim. Blödsinn specifically describes its content as stupid, pointless, or obviously false. Mist is more general and can assess not only the nonsense but also the poor quality or unpleasant consequences of a statement.
Blödsinn
Diese Behauptung über den Termin ist Blödsinn, weil die Einladung eindeutig etwas anderes sagt.
This claim about the date is nonsense because the invitation clearly says something else.
Mist
Diese Behauptung über den Termin ist Mist, weil sie alle Gäste verunsichert.
This claim about the date is crap because it is making all the guests uncertain.
In real life
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