tratschen

Tratschen is a colloquial German verb that means to gossip or to chatter about other people, often discussing private matters, rumors, or speculative details. It is typically used to describe informal conversations in which participants exchange snippets about someone else’s life, behavior, or reputation. The term is closely related to the noun Tratsch and to the broader phrase Klatsch und Tratsch.

The origin of Tratsch and the verb form is not completely fixed, but they are clearly linked to the concept of gossip or idle chattering. The word is widely understood across German-speaking regions and remains firmly in the realm of informal speech. It is generally more common in everyday conversation than in formal writing, and it can carry a light, playful tone or a critical undertone depending on context.

Connotation and usage: Tratschen often implies talking about others without their knowledge or consent, making it potentially disrespectful or negative if it turns into spreading rumors or cruelty. In social settings among friends or family, it may be seen as a way to bond, but in professional or official contexts it is usually discouraged. Common constructions include über jemanden tratschen or im Freundeskreis tratschen. Examples include sentences like Wir haben gestern über unsere Nachbarn getratscht or Sie tratscht gern über ihre Kolleginnen.