der Klatsch
gossip
Informal, often disparaging or curious talk about other people's private affairs.
EXAMPLE
Im Büro gibt es immer den neuesten Klatsch aus der Nachbarschaft.
At the office, there's always the latest gossip from the neighborhood.
der Klatsch
gossip / slap
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Meanings
der Klatsch
slap / smack
A short, striking sound that occurs when something, often something wet, hits a surface. Also a light slap with the flat of the hand.
EXAMPLE
Er gab ihr einen spielerischen Klatsch auf den Arm.
He gave her a playful slap on the arm.
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Klatsch' (gossip / slap) is the noun related to the verb 'klatschen'. The verb means both 'to applaud' or 'to slap' and 'to gossip/talk about others'. This double meaning is also found in the noun.
EXAMPLE
Hör auf, über andere Leute zu klatschen!
Stop gossiping about other people!
Context clue
You can easily recognize the meaning from context. If it is about talk, information, and people, 'Klatsch' means 'gossip'. If it is about a sound or a light slap, the second meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Ich interessiere mich nicht für den neuesten Klatsch über die Königsfamilie.
I'm not interested in the latest gossip about the royal family.
Fixed expression
In the meaning of 'Gerede' (talk/gossip), 'Klatsch' (gossip) is very often used in the fixed expression 'Klatsch und Tratsch' (gossip and chatter). Here, both words basically mean the same thing and reinforce each other.
EXAMPLE
In der Kaffeepause gibt es immer den neuesten Klatsch und Tratsch.
During the coffee break, there's always the latest gossip and chatter.
Sentence structure and usage
When 'Klatsch' means a light slap, the construction 'jemandem einen Klatsch geben' (to give someone a slap) is often used. The object receiving the slap is in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Die Mutter gab ihrem Kind einen liebevollen Klatsch auf die Wange.
The mother gave her child an affectionate slap on the cheek.
Compare with
Klatsch vs Gerücht
rumor
Gerücht and Klatsch can both occur when unconfirmed information about other people is passed on. Gerücht emphasizes that the truth has not been confirmed, while Klatsch focuses on curious or disparaging talk about private matters. Choose Gerücht for the information itself, and Klatsch for the private, gossipy nature of the talk.
Klatsch
Im Büro wurde beim Kaffee viel Klatsch über das Privatleben der Kollegin erzählt.
At the office, a lot of gossip about the colleague's private life was shared over coffee.
Gerücht
Im Büro machte das Gerücht die Runde, dass die Kollegin kündigen will.
A rumor went around the office that the colleague wanted to quit.
In real life
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