01
der Quatsch
nonsense
Something that is foolish, illogical, or not true.
example
Glaub nicht alles, was er sagt, er redet oft nur Quatsch.
Don't believe everything he says; he often just talks nonsense.
der Quatsch
nonsense
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Colloquial style
The word 'Quatsch' (nonsense) is used mainly in informal spoken language. In formal or written contexts, it often seems inappropriate.
EXAMPLE
Ach, das ist doch alles Quatsch, was er da erzählt.
Oh, that's all nonsense, what he's saying there.
Always singular
The word 'Quatsch' (nonsense) is used almost exclusively in the singular, even when talking about a lot of nonsense. A plural form practically does not exist.
EXAMPLE
Hör auf mit dem Quatsch und sei still!
Stop with that nonsense and be quiet!
Fixed expression
The combination 'Quatsch machen' (to fool around) is a fixed expression. It means to behave foolishly or get up to mischief, and it is often used in connection with children.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder haben im Garten den ganzen Nachmittag Quatsch gemacht.
The children fooled around in the garden all afternoon.
Use as an exclamation
As the short exclamation 'Quatsch!' (Nonsense!), the word expresses strong disagreement or disbelief. It usually stands alone, often at the beginning of a sentence.
EXAMPLE
Ich soll das alles bis morgen schaffen? Quatsch!
I'm supposed to get all of that done by tomorrow? Nonsense!
Compare with
Quatsch vs Sinn
meaning / sense
'der Sinn' and 'der Quatsch' are opposites when it comes to logic, meaning, or purpose. 'Sinn' is used when something is understandable, reasonable, or makes sense. 'Quatsch' is used when something seems stupid, illogical, or false. 'Quatsch' is more colloquial and can sound clearly dismissive. A simple guide is: something that has 'Sinn' can be well justified; something that is 'Quatsch' makes no sense.
Quatsch
Was du da über Anna gehört hast, ist doch völliger Quatsch.
What you heard about Anna is complete nonsense.
Sinn
Der Sinn der neuen Regel ist, dass alle sicherer arbeiten können.
The purpose of the new rule is to allow everyone to work more safely.
In real life
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