Quatsch
/kvatʃ/
The English term 'bs' can be translated into German as Quatsch.
Quatsch is a slang term used to describe statements that are untrue or foolish. You can use it as an interjection by itself, such as Quatsch!, to dismiss a statement as untrue or ridiculous. Additionally, the idiomatic phrase Quatsch machen is used to describe someone who is talking nonsense or acting silly.
Which one should you use?
While Quatsch is a common way to say nonsense or rubbish, other options exist depending on the nuance. Unsinn translates to 'nonsense' or 'rubbish', Unwahrheiten refers specifically to 'untruths' and Mist is similar to the English word 'crap'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Quatsch is an informal term. It should be avoided in highly formal or professional written contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Bavarian dialect, the word Schmarrn is used to convey the meaning of BS.
How does it change in a sentence?
Quatsch is an uncountable noun and does not have a plural form in standard usage.
How do you pronounce it?
/kvatʃ/
Did you know?
- While Quatsch is the standard term for nonsense, the word Schmarrn actually refers to a popular type of shredded pancake dessert.
- The word Mist is used to mean 'BS' or 'crap', but its literal meaning is 'manure' or 'dung'. This mirrors the English use of 'bullshit' by using farm waste to describe a lie.
- In German, you can describe someone who talks too much as a Quatschkopf, which literally translates to 'nonsense head'. It is a playful way to call someone a chatterbox or a goofball.
Examples in context
- Des is doch olles Schmarrn!That's all nonsense!
- Ach, erzähl doch keinen Quatsch!Oh, don't talk such nonsense!
- Das ist doch totaler Quatsch.That is complete nonsense.
- Ich glaube diesen Quatsch nicht.I don't believe this nonsense.
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are discussing a strange news story.
- JulianHast du gehört, dass es morgen regnet?Did you hear that it's going to rain tomorrow?
- LauraDas ist doch Quatsch, die Sonne scheint.That's nonsense, the sun is shining.
- JulianAber die Nachrichten haben es gesagt.But the news said it.
- LauraIgnorier einfach diesen Quatsch, Julian.Just ignore that nonsense, Julian.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Quatsch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
