humbug
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humbug / nonsense
Refers to nonsense, fraud, or something that is falsely presented as meaningful or genuine. The term is used disparagingly to expose something as fraud or deception.
Die ganze Veranstaltung war reiner Humbug, um den Leuten das Geld aus der Tasche zu ziehen.
The whole event was pure humbug designed to take money out of people's pockets.
'Humbug' is a loanword from English, where it has a similar meaning of fraud or nonsense. In German, it is often used to dismiss something as dubious or fraudulent.
Seine Wundermittel sind doch alles nur Humbug.
His miracle cures are all just humbug.
This word has a strongly negative and disparaging connotation. It is used to describe an idea, product, or statement as worthless nonsense or deception.
Glaub das nicht, das ist doch alles Humbug!
Don't believe that, it's all humbug!
'Humbug' is often intensified with adjectives that emphasize the extent of the nonsense. Typical combinations are 'reiner Humbug' (pure humbug), 'völliger Humbug' (complete humbug), or 'absoluter Humbug' (absolute humbug).
Er bezeichnete die neuen Theorien als reinen Humbug.
He described the new theories as pure humbug.
fraud / cheating
'der Betrug' and 'der Humbug' can both refer to something false or deceptive. 'Betrug' is more specific and more serious: someone deliberately deceives others in order to gain an advantage, often money, and this can be punishable by law. 'Humbug' is more often used disparagingly about something you consider nonsense, a scam, or a falsely presented truth. It sounds less like a legal accusation. The words can be confused when something seems fake or untrue. When it is about a criminal offense or financial loss, 'Betrug' fits. When you dismiss something as nonsense or a false claim, 'Humbug' is more appropriate.
Diese angebliche Wundermethode gegen alle Krankheiten ist doch Humbug.
This supposed miracle method for all diseases is just humbug.
Bei der falschen Spendenaktion ging es um Betrug.
The fake charity campaign was a case of fraud.