01
der Kram
stuff / junk
Colloquial and often derogatory for a disorderly collection of various things, usually worthless or unnecessary.
example
Räum endlich deinen ganzen Kram vom Tisch!
Finally clear all your stuff off the table!
der Kram
stuff / junk
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Register and style
'Kram' (stuff/junk) is a colloquial word and is usually used in a derogatory or annoyed way. It is used in informal conversation, but not in formal texts or situations.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe keine Zeit für diesen ganzen Kram.
I don't have time for all this stuff.
Only singular
The word 'Kram' (stuff/junk) is used almost exclusively in the singular. A plural form ('die Kräme') practically does not exist in modern language. You always speak of 'dem Kram', even when you mean many things.
EXAMPLE
Bitte nimm deinen Kram aus meinem Zimmer.
Please take your stuff out of my room.
Typical collocation
The combination 'der ganze Kram' (all that stuff) is very common. This expression intensifies the negative or annoyed attitude and can refer both to a lot of messy things and to unpleasant tasks.
EXAMPLE
Wer soll diesen ganzen Kram aufräumen?
Who's supposed to clean up all this stuff?
Compare with
Kram vs Thema
topic / theme
'das Thema' and 'der Kram' can both mean something that people talk about or deal with. 'das Thema' is neutral and fits in conversations, texts, school, or work. 'der Kram' is colloquial and often sounds annoyed or dismissive. It refers to a matter, activity, or topic that someone does not find important or that feels bothersome. The words can be confused because 'Kram' is sometimes used instead of 'Thema'. In neutral or polite situations, 'Thema' is safer. 'Kram' only fits in casual language and shows a personal attitude.
Kram
Ich habe keine Lust, mich schon wieder mit diesem ganzen Kram zu beschäftigen.
I don't feel like dealing with all this stuff again.
Thema
Heute ist das Thema wichtig, weil viele Kunden Fragen dazu haben.
Today, the topic is important because many customers have questions about it.
In real life
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