small talk
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small talk
A light, informal conversation about everyday and harmless topics. Small talk often serves to create a pleasant atmosphere or avoid awkward silence.
Vor Beginn der Konferenz führten die Teilnehmer noch etwas Smalltalk über das Wetter und die Anreise.
Before the conference began, the participants made a little small talk about the weather and their journey there.
'Smalltalk' (small talk) is a loanword from English and is made up of 'small' and 'talk'. So it literally describes a 'small conversation' about simple, everyday topics.
Ein bisschen Smalltalk vor dem Meeting lockert die Atmosphäre auf.
A little small talk before the meeting helps loosen up the atmosphere.
'Smalltalk' (small talk) is usually used with the verbs 'führen' (to conduct / have) or 'halten' (to hold / make). Both mean that you take part in this kind of light conversation.
Auf der Party musste ich mit vielen Leuten Smalltalk führen.
At the party, I had to make small talk with lots of people.
'Smalltalk' (small talk) is treated in German like an uncountable noun (mass noun). It is therefore normally used without an article or with 'etwas' (some / a little), but not in the plural or with 'ein' (a).
Wir machten etwas Smalltalk, um das Schweigen zu brechen.
We made a little small talk to break the silence.
conversation
'das Gespräch' and 'der Smalltalk' both have to do with spoken exchange between people. 'Gespräch' is the more general word. It can be casual, serious, private, or also formal. 'Smalltalk' is a special kind of conversation: light, friendly, and without difficult or very personal topics. Typical topics include the weather, the weekend, or travel. Learners may confuse the words because small talk is also a conversation. But not every conversation is small talk. When it is about an important topic, a problem, or an appointment, 'Gespräch' fits better.
Beim Warten auf den Termin machte Lisa etwas Smalltalk mit dem Kunden.
While waiting for the appointment, Lisa made a little small talk with the customer.
Nach dem Gespräch mit der Chefin wusste Mehmet, was er ändern muss.
After the meeting with his boss, Mehmet knew what he needed to change.