01
der Rotz
snot
A colloquial and often derogatory term for the secretion that comes from the nose, especially when someone has a cold.
example
Der Junge wischte sich den Rotz mit dem Ärmel ab.
The boy wiped the snot off with his sleeve.
der Rotz
snot / crap / glanders
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Register and style
The word 'Rotz' (snot/crap) is very colloquial in the meanings for nasal mucus and nonsense and can sound crude or derogatory. Only in the medical context of the animal disease is it a neutral technical term.
EXAMPLE
Sag so was nicht, das ist doch der reinste Rotz!
Don't say something like that; that's total crap!
Context clues
You can recognize the meaning from the context: if it is about a cold and the nose, nasal mucus is meant. If it is about an opinion or a story, 'Unsinn' (nonsense) is meant. If a vet is talking about a horse, the disease is meant.
EXAMPLE
Er ist stark erkältet und seine Nase ist voller Rotz.
He has a bad cold and his nose is full of snot.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'Rotz und Wasser heulen' means to cry very hard and intensely. In this expression, the word is very common.
EXAMPLE
Nach der traurigen Nachricht hat sie Rotz und Wasser geheult.
After the sad news, she cried her eyes out.
Compare with
Rotz vs Mist
crap / manure
'Mist' and 'Rotz' can both colloquially mean something that is bad, worthless, or nonsensical. 'Mist' is very common and relatively general in this sense: it can refer to bad work, a stupid idea, or an unpleasant matter. 'Rotz' sounds more disparaging and somewhat cruder; it is often used when you think something is really bad. Learners may confuse the words because both express a negative judgment. 'Mist' is usually more neutral and less crude in everyday speech. 'Rotz' fits better when you want to express yourself very dismissively.
Rotz
Den Film fand ich schlecht; so einen Rotz sehe ich mir nicht noch einmal an.
I thought the film was bad; I'm not watching that kind of crap again.
Mist
Was er über den Plan erzählt, ist leider völliger Mist.
What he says about the plan is unfortunately complete nonsense.
In real life
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