01
der Scherz
joke
A statement or action intended to amuse and not meant seriously; a joke.
example
Sein Kommentar war nur ein Scherz, du musst ihn nicht ernst nehmen.
His comment was only a joke; you don't have to take it seriously.
der Scherz
joke
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'der Scherz' (joke) is closely related to the verb 'scherzen' (to joke) and the adjective 'scherzhaft' (not serious, humorous). All of these words refer to humor and not being serious.
EXAMPLE
Er scherzt gerne mit seinen Kollegen.
He likes to joke with his colleagues.
Typical collocations
The most common action in connection with 'Scherz' (joke) is 'einen Scherz machen' (to make a joke). You can also say 'einen Scherz verstehen' (to understand a joke) or take something 'als Scherz auffassen' (to take something as a joke).
EXAMPLE
Er wollte nur einen Scherz machen, aber niemand hat gelacht.
He only wanted to make a joke, but nobody laughed.
Fixed expression
The fixed expression 'aus Scherz' (as a joke) is used to state the reason for an action. It means 'for fun' or 'not meant seriously'.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe nur aus Scherz gesagt, dass ich umziehe.
I only said as a joke that I was moving.
Fixed expression
The expression 'ohne Scherz' (no joke) is used to emphasize a statement and make clear that it is meant absolutely seriously. It often comes at the beginning of a sentence.
EXAMPLE
Ohne Scherz, ich habe noch nie so etwas Leckeres gegessen.
No joke, I have never eaten anything so delicious.
Compare with
Scherz vs Spaß
fun / joke
'der Spaß' and 'der Scherz' can both mean something that is not meant seriously and is intended to make people laugh. But 'Spaß' is broader: it can be a feeling of joy, an enjoyable activity, or a joke. 'Scherz' more specifically means a single statement or action meant to be funny. Learners may confuse the words because you can do something 'zum Spaß' (for fun) or 'aus Scherz' (as a joke). When talking about joy or enjoyment in general, 'Spaß' fits. When talking about a specific joke or a non-serious remark, 'Scherz' is more precise.
Scherz
Sein Scherz war nicht böse gemeint, aber Maria war trotzdem verletzt.
His joke was not meant maliciously, but Maria was still hurt.
Spaß
Das Training macht den Kindern viel Spaß.
The children really enjoy the training.
In real life
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