Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gerüchteküche | /ɡəˈʁʏçtəˌkʏçə/ | feminine |
| Buschtrommel | feminine | |
| Buschtrommeln | feminine, plural, singular | |
| Urwaldtrommel | feminine | |
| Flurfunk | /ˈfluːɐ̯ˌfʊŋk/ | masculine |
While they all translate to the concept of a 'grapevine', they are used in different contexts depending on whether you are talking about general rumors, office gossip or news spreading through a community.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Gerüchteküche is a compound noun consisting of Gerücht (rumor) and Küche (kitchen).
Which one should you use?
Gerüchteküche refers to general rumors. Flurfunk (literally 'hallway radio') is used specifically for office gossip or rumors circulating within a workplace. Buschtrommel (literally 'bush drum') is a more colorful way to describe the grapevine, often implying that rumors are spreading rapidly through a community. Urwaldtrommel is another variation of the drum metaphor.
How does it change in a sentence?
Gerüchteküche is a feminine noun and takes the article die in the nominative case. To say something is 'circulating on the grapevine,' Germans often use the prepositional phrase in der Gerüchteküche.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡəˈʁʏçtəˌkʏçə/
Did you know?
- Buschtrommel and Urwaldtrommel refer to the traditional talking drums used in Africa to send messages across long distances. The German language adopted this imagery to describe the speed and reach of a rumor.
- In German, the phrase in der Gerüchteküche suggests that rumors are being 'cooked up' or prepared. This gives the act of gossiping a creative and active quality, rather than just passive hearing.
- While English uses the 'grapevine', German uses Küche ('kitchen') as a metaphor for gossip. This reflects a cultural association with the kitchen as the traditional domestic center where secrets and news were shared.
Examples in context
- Ich erfuhr die Neuigkeiten über die Buschtrommel.I heard the news through the grapevine.This sentence shows how to use Buschtrommel to express hearing news through the grapevine.Tatoeba #1511768 by samueldora, translation #45214 by CK
- He Tom, die Buschtrommeln sagen, dass du mit Susie ausgehst. Weiter so!Hey Tom, I heard through the grapevine that you and Susie are going out. Way to go!This sentence uses the plural Buschtrommeln.Tatoeba #1247478 by samueldora, translation #637210 by darinmex
- Die Weinstöcke in diesem Weinberg sind besonders gut gepflegt.The grapevines in this vineyard are particularly well-maintained.
- In der Gerüchteküche brodelt es wieder.The grapevine is buzzing again.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are talking about office rumors during a coffee break.
- JuliaHast du gehört, was in der Gerüchteküche kursiert?Did you hear what's going around the grapevine?
- LukasNein, erzähl mir bitte mehr darüber.No, please tell me more about it.
- JuliaLukas, ich habe gehört, dass unser Chef kündigt.Lukas, I heard that our boss is quitting.
- LukasDas wäre eine große Überraschung für uns alle.That would be a big surprise for all of us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grapevine” translations and entries Gerüchteküche, Flurfunk, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
