01
plaudern
to chat
To talk in a relaxed, informal, and friendly way; to chatter.
example
Die beiden Freundinnen saßen im Café und plauderten stundenlang.
The two friends sat in the café and chatted for hours.
plaudern
to chat
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Sentence structure with prepositions
'Plaudern' (to chat) is often used with the prepositions 'mit' (with, for the person) and 'über' (about, for the topic). 'Mit' is followed by the dative, and 'über' by the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe gestern lange mit meiner Freundin über unseren Urlaub geplaudert.
Yesterday I chatted for a long time with my friend about our vacation.
Positive atmosphere
The word 'plaudern' (to chat) describes not only a conversation, but also a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It is used for private, informal conversations, not for serious discussions.
EXAMPLE
Die Nachbarn standen am Gartenzaun und plauderten über das Wetter.
The neighbors stood by the garden fence and chatted about the weather.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'aus dem Nähkästchen plaudern' (to spill the beans) is a fixed unit. It means that someone shares private or even secret details in a social setting.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem zweiten Glas Wein begann er, aus dem Nähkästchen zu plaudern.
After the second glass of wine, he began to spill the beans.
Compare with
plaudern vs reden
to talk
'reden' and 'plaudern' both describe spoken communication. 'reden' is neutral and can refer to any conversation, including a serious or important one. 'plaudern' sounds more casual, friendlier, and often more relaxed. It fits when people are talking to each other without pressure, for example during a break or while visiting someone. For an important problem or an official conversation, 'reden' is usually more precise. 'plaudern' emphasizes the pleasant, informal nature of the conversation.
plaudern
Mein Vater hat am Nachmittag mit den Kindern im Garten geplaudert.
In the afternoon, my father chatted with the children in the garden.
reden
Nach dem Termin hat der Berater lange mit den Eltern geredet.
After the appointment, the advisor talked with the parents for a long time.
In real life
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