der Käse
cheese
A solid or semi-solid food made by curdling milk.
EXAMPLE
Zum Frühstück esse ich am liebsten Brot mit Käse.
For breakfast, I like eating bread with cheese best.
der Käse
cheese / nonsense
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Meanings
der Käse
nonsense
A colloquial expression for nonsense, rubbish, or something worthless.
EXAMPLE
Was du da erzählst, ist doch alles Käse!
What you're saying there is all nonsense!
Usage tips
Colloquial meaning
The meaning of 'Unsinn' (nonsense) or 'Blödsinn' (rubbish) for 'Käse' (cheese / nonsense) is purely colloquial. It is used to dismiss a statement as stupid, wrong, or irrelevant.
EXAMPLE
Glaub ihm nicht, er redet nur Käse.
Don't believe him; he's just talking nonsense.
Typical expressions
In the colloquial meaning, 'Käse' (cheese / nonsense) appears in fixed expressions. You often hear 'So ein Käse!' (What nonsense!) as an exclamation or the request 'Erzähl doch keinen Käse!' (Don't talk nonsense!). The verb is often 'sein' (to be) or 'erzählen' (to tell).
EXAMPLE
Seine Ausrede ist doch totaler Käse.
His excuse is total nonsense.
Context clue
Whether the food or 'Unsinn' (nonsense) is meant is revealed by the context. If it's about eating, cooking, or shopping, it means the food. If it's about opinions, stories, or explanations, it often means 'Unsinn' (nonsense).
EXAMPLE
Für die Pizza brauche ich noch geriebenen Käse.
I still need grated cheese for the pizza.
Compare with
Käse vs Quark
nonsense
In colloquial language, both Käse and Quark can dismiss a statement as nonsense. Käse is broader and can also refer generally to something bad or worthless. When referring to something said, Quark emphasizes more strongly that it is false or worthless, and is often used as an exclamation or after “sein” (to be).
Käse
Die ganze Idee für den Ausflug ist doch Käse.
The whole idea for the trip is nonsense.
Quark
Die Behauptung über den Ausflug ist doch Quark.
The claim about the trip is nonsense.
In real life
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