Tratsch

Tratsch is a German noun meaning idle talk about other people, especially personal matters or rumors. It translates roughly to gossip or chatter in English. The word comes from the verb tratschen (“to gossip, to chatter”) and is typically used for informal, conversational talk rather than formal communication. Depending on context, Tratsch can be light-hearted social banter or a vehicle for spreading unverified information and rumors.

In German-speaking regions, phrases such as “Tratsch und Klatsch” or “Tratscherei” are common. The term coexists with “Klatsch,” which also refers to gossip, but “Gerede” emphasizes more general or empty talk. In media and popular culture, Tratsch appears in discussions of celebrity life, often in the form of “Tratschspalten” or “Tratschblätter” (gossip columns or sheets); more formal outlets may prefer “Klatsch” or “Gerücht.”

Usage notes: Tratsch is largely informal and is usually used in everyday speech or tabloid-style discourse. It is rarely appropriate in formal writing. The term’s connotations range from harmless social bonding to criticism of rumor-mongering; speakers may choose different words to signal their intent.