01
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
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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 Mist
crap / manure
'der Mist' and 'der Käse' can both be used colloquially to express that something is nonsense, bad, or annoying. 'Mist' often sounds stronger and more emotional. It is also used as an exclamation when something goes wrong. 'Käse' usually sounds a bit lighter and often means that an idea, statement, or thing is nonsensical. Both words are more suitable for casual conversations, not formal situations.
Käse
Was er über den neuen Plan erzählt, ist doch völliger Käse.
What he's saying about the new plan is complete nonsense.
Mist
So ein Mist, der Zug ist gerade ohne uns abgefahren.
Damn, the train just left without us.
In real life
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