chatter / nonsense
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chatter / nonsense
A derogatory term for pointless, stupid, or trivial talk that is perceived as annoying.
Ich habe keine Lust mehr auf dieses ewige Geschwätz über andere Leute.
I don't feel like listening to this endless chatter about other people anymore.
The word comes from the verb 'schwatzen' (to chat/chatter). The prefix 'Ge-' at the beginning often indicates an ongoing action perceived as negative, similar to 'Gerede' (talk/gossip) or 'Gejammer' (whining).
Hör auf mit dem Gejammer und hilf mir lieber!
Stop whining and help me instead!
'Geschwätz' (chatter/nonsense) is an uncountable noun and is therefore used only in the singular. It describes the totality of the talk, not individual conversations.
Ich kann dieses Geschwätz nicht mehr hören.
I can't listen to this chatter anymore.
This word is always meant negatively and derogatorily. It is not a neutral term for a conversation, but expresses that the speaker considers the talk stupid, pointless, or annoying.
Das ist doch nur leeres Geschwätz, darauf gebe ich nichts.
That's just empty talk; I don't pay any attention to it.
nonsense
'Quatsch' and 'Geschwätz' can both be used derogatorily for nonsense. 'Quatsch' is more general: it can be a wrong idea, a stupid statement, or a nonsensical thing. 'Geschwätz' especially means talk that seems empty, stupid, or annoying. So it mainly fits when people talk a lot but do not say anything important. Learners may confuse the words because both sound negative. The simple guide is: 'Quatsch' for nonsense in general, 'Geschwätz' for pointless or annoying talk.
Warum hörst du dir dieses Geschwätz über die Nachbarn überhaupt an?
Why do you even listen to this chatter about the neighbors?
Beim Einkaufen war klar, dass der Rabatt nur Quatsch war.
While shopping, it was clear that the discount was just nonsense.