Schnickschnack
In German, the English phrase 'knick knack' is translated as Schnickschnack.
Schnickschnack refers to small, decorative items, trinkets or even useless gadgets. It is often used dismissively to describe trivial or useless items, implying that they are merely clutter or unnecessary trifles.
Which one should you use?
While Schnickschnack is a common way to describe these items, you might use Tand if you want a colloquial term or Krimskrams to refer to various small and miscellaneous objects. If you wish to be more formal and are specifically referring to an ornamental piece, use Zierstück.
How does it change in a sentence?
Schnickschnack is a mass noun in German. When referring to a collection of such items, it typically does not take a plural form. For example, you would say viel Schnickschnack (much knick knack) instead of using a plural suffix.
Did you know?
- The word Schnickschnack is actually a reduplication of the verb schnacken, which means 'to chatter' or 'to talk' in Low German. It suggests that the items are as trivial and mindless as idle chatter.
- The word Schnickschnack can be used to describe not just objects, but also unnecessary complications or 'frills' in a process or a piece of software.
- Unlike the English 'knick knack', which is often a neutral term for collectibles, Schnickschnack is frequently used as a critique of someone's taste or a complaint about clutter.
Examples in context
- Das Regal ist voll mit unnützem Schnickschnack.The shelf is full of useless knickknacks.
- Ich mag diesen ganzen Schnickschnack nicht.I don't like all this knickknack stuff.
- Wo hast du diesen kleinen Schnickschnack gekauft?Where did you buy this little knickknack?
Example conversation
Hannah and Julian are looking at a souvenir shop window.
- HannahSiehst du diesen lustigen Schnickschnack dort?Do you see that funny knickknack over there?
- JulianJa, aber er ist viel zu teuer.Yes, but it is far too expensive.
- HannahVielleicht kaufst du ihn als Geschenk für ihn?Maybe you could buy it as a gift for him?
- JulianNein, er mag solchen Schnickschnack nicht.No, he doesn't like that kind of knickknack.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schnickschnack, CC BY-SA 4.0.
