Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Quatsch | /kvatʃ/ | colloquial, masculine |
| Blödsinn | /ˈbløːtˌzɪn/ /ˈbløːtˌsɪn/ (Austria) |
masculine |
| Nonsens | masculine | |
| Unsinn | /ˈʊnzɪn/ | masculine |
| Tüddelkram | /ˈtydl̩ˌkraːm/ | masculine |
All these terms refer to meaningless words or nonsense. While they share this core meaning, they vary in tone and specific nuance. Some terms specifically refer to incomprehensible language or gibberish, known as Kauderwelsch, while others like Tüddelkram can also imply trivial or unimportant things.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Unsinn is composed of the prefix un- (not) and Sinn (sense or meaning).
Which one should you use?
Quatsch is the most common colloquial way to express nonsense and is often used in a lighthearted or slightly annoyed manner. In contrast, Unsinn is more formal and serious, typically used to describe illogical or absurd statements. Blödsinn is an informal term that carries a stronger connotation of stupidity or foolishness than other options. If you want to emphatically reject a claim in a playful way, you can use the interjection papperlapapp.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Unsinn is the formal option for describing nonsense. The terms Quatsch, Blödsinn and papperlapapp are informal or colloquial. Kauderwelsch is also used informally to describe gibberish.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Northern Germany, Tüddelkram is used to refer to nonsense or trivial items and the term Quatschkopp is used to playfully describe a person who talks nonsense. In Southern Germany, Firlefanz refers to pretentious nonsense or extravagance. In Bavaria and Austria, Schmarrn is used to mean nonsense or balderdash.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
All the primary nouns for nonsense listed, including Blödsinn, Nonsens, Quatsch, Unsinn and Tüddelkram, are masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/kvatʃ/
Did you know?
- In Southern Germany and Austria, you might hear the word Schmarrn to mean nonsense, which is also the name of a famous shredded pancake dish.
- The term Quatsch is derived from the verb quatschen, which means to chat or babble incessantly.
- In Northern Germany, Tüddelkram describes not only nonsense but also physical trivialities like small, useless trinkets.
Examples in context
- Was für ein Unsinn!What nonsense!This sentence shows how to express 'What nonsense!' using Unsinn.Tatoeba #2136733 by Esperantostern, translation #1521868 by erikspen
- Es ist alles Quatsch.It's all nonsense.This sentence demonstrates the use of Quatsch to say 'It's all nonsense.'Tatoeba #2343069 by Espi, translation #2249017 by CK
- Das ist purer Unsinn.That's pure nonsense.This sentence illustrates the use of Unsinn to say 'That's pure nonsense.'Tatoeba #5319904 by brauchinet, translation #5319721 by Hybrid
- Dieser Artikel ist totaler Unsinn!This article is complete nonsense!
- Hör auf so einen Quatsch zu erzählen!Stop talking such nonsense!
- Das ist doch alles nur Blödsinn!That's all just nonsense!
- 92 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are discussing a strange news story.
- LukasHast du das gelesen?Did you read that?
- SarahJa, aber das ist doch totaler Quatsch!Yes, but that is total nonsense!
- LukasIch finde es auch unglaublich.I find it unbelievable too.
- SarahEcht, Lukas, glaub das nicht.Really, Lukas, don't believe that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nonsense” translations and entries Quatsch, Blödsinn, Nonsens, Unsinn, Tüddelkram, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Blödsinn, Quatsch, Unsinn, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
