rip-off / bullshit
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rip-off / bullshit
(Colloquial, vulgar) An action in which someone is deliberately deceived, tricked, or unfairly made a fool of. The term often expresses anger about a perceived injustice or fraud.
Das Sonderangebot war die reinste Verarsche, denn das Produkt war vorher sogar billiger.
That special offer was a total rip-off, because the product had actually been cheaper before.
The word is derived from the very colloquial verb 'verarschen' (to screw with someone / to take someone for a ride). It contains the word 'Arsch' (ass), which explains its vulgar and derogatory nature. The prefix 'ver-' here suggests that something negative is being done to someone.
Dass ich für den Service extra zahlen muss, ist doch eine Verarsche!
Having to pay extra for the service is such a rip-off!
'Verarsche' (rip-off / bullshit) is a very informal and vulgar word. Use it only in spoken language among friends and never in formal, professional, or polite situations.
Er hat sich über die ganze Verarsche furchtbar aufgeregt.
He got terribly worked up about the whole rip-off.
This word is often used with adjectives that intensify it. Typical expressions are 'die reinste Verarsche' (a total rip-off), 'eine totale Verarsche' (a complete rip-off), or 'eine absolute Verarsche' (an absolute rip-off).
Die versprochene Gehaltserhöhung war eine totale Verarsche.
The promised pay raise was a complete rip-off.
fraud / cheating
'der Betrug' and 'die Verarsche' both have to do with deliberate deception. However, 'Betrug' is a serious word and is especially appropriate when someone gains an advantage through a lie, often involving money. It can also be a criminal offense. 'Verarsche' is colloquial and vulgar. It is often used when you are angry because you feel you have been treated unfairly or made a fool of. Learners may confuse the words because both refer to deception. In official or legal situations, 'Betrug' is correct; in casual conversations about annoyance, 'Verarsche' sounds more natural, but it is very informal.
Für so wenig Lohn am Feiertag zu arbeiten, findet Tom eine echte Verarsche.
Tom thinks working on a public holiday for such low pay is a real rip-off.
Nach dem Online-Kauf meldete Anna den Betrug bei der Polizei.
After the online purchase, Anna reported the fraud to the police.