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
Quatsch machen
to fool around
To behave in a silly or nonsensical way, often playfully or disruptively.
EXAMPLE
Hört auf, Quatsch zu machen und konzentriert euch auf eure Hausaufgaben!
Stop fooling around and focus on your homework!
Quatsch!
Nonsense!
An exclamation that expresses disbelief, rejection, or the assessment of a statement as nonsense.
EXAMPLE
Du hast im Lotto gewonnen? Quatsch! Das glaube ich dir nicht.
You won the lottery? Nonsense! I don't believe you.
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 Mist
crap / manure
Mist and Quatsch can both be used to dismiss a statement as nonsense. Quatsch is especially clearly directed at something foolish, illogical, or untrue. Mist is more general and can also express that a statement is bad or annoying.
Quatsch
Pauls Behauptung über die Absage ist Quatsch, weil der Termin wie geplant stattfindet.
Paul’s claim about the cancellation is nonsense because the event is taking place as scheduled.
Mist
Pauls Behauptung über die Absage ist Mist, weil sie unnötig Ärger verursacht.
Paul’s claim about the cancellation is crap because it is causing unnecessary trouble.
In real life
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