21 December 2025
How do you say nonsense in German?
The German word for nonsense is der Schwachsinn.It’s used to describe ideas, statements, or actions that are foolish, illogical, or ridiculous. Think: “That’s nonsense!” - that’s Schwachsinn in German. It’s a casual, sometimes sharp word, often used in debates, arguments, or sarcastic remarks.
It’s one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German (and you can download the complete illustrated PDF to learn them all), and you’ll hear it in real conversations - especially when people are frustrated.
Gender and Pronunciation
It’s a masculine noun: der Schwachsinn.Want help locking in gender without endless memorization? This video lesson breaks down practical gender patterns.
Pronunciation:Schwachsinn is pronounced [ˈʃvaxzɪn]
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“SHVAKH” - shv + a short a + the throaty ch from Bach (not a k).
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“zin” rhymes with “pin”Two syllables: SHVAKH-zin.
Example sentences
Was für ein Schwachsinn!
What nonsense!
Glaubst du diesen Schwachsinn wirklich?
Do you actually believe that nonsense?
Der Artikel ist voller Schwachsinn.
The article is full of nonsense.
Nuance and usage tips
💬 Schwachsinn is often used informally to reject or mock something that seems absurd or deeply incorrect.
😠 It’s sharper and more emotional than Unsinn, which is a gentler word for silliness or nonsense.
🧠 Historically, Schwachsinn once referred to intellectual disability (literally “weak-mindedness”) - this is now outdated and offensive in that context. Its ordinary contemporary meaning is nonsense; the historical disability label remains outdated and offensive.
👎 Use it carefully: It’s strong language. It can sound dismissive or insulting, even when it targets an idea rather than a person.
How does this word come up in real conversations?
“Du glaubst doch nicht wirklich diesen Schwachsinn!”
You don’t seriously believe that nonsense!
“Das ist totaler Schwachsinn - ich hab das nie gesagt.”
That’s complete nonsense - I never said that.
“Was die da im Radio erzählen, ist Schwachsinn.”
What they’re saying on the radio is nonsense.
Sample Dialogue (Beginner Level)
Nico: Sie sagen, Kaffee sei ungesund.Lara: Schwachsinn! Ohne Kaffee funktioniere ich nicht.Nico: Ich auch nicht - das ist doch reine Panikmache.Lara: Genau. Nichts als Schwachsinn.
Translation:Nico: They say coffee is unhealthy.Lara: Nonsense! I don’t function without coffee.Nico: Me neither - that’s just scare tactics.Lara: Exactly. Nothing but nonsense.
Grammatical case examples
Nominative:Dieser Schwachsinn geht mir auf die Nerven.
This nonsense is getting on my nerves.
Accusative:Ich kann diesen Schwachsinn nicht mehr hören.
I can’t listen to this nonsense anymore.
Dative:Mit dem Schwachsinn will ich nichts zu tun haben.
I want nothing to do with that nonsense.
Genitive:Die Folgen dieses Schwachsinns sind kaum zu glauben.
The consequences of this nonsense are hard to believe.
Other ways to say nonsense in German
While Schwachsinn is a sharp way to say nonsense in German, there are milder or more playful options:
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Unsinn - less harsh, like “silliness” or “nonsense”
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Blödsinn - playful, like “nonsense” or “silly talk”
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Quatsch - often milder: “That’s nonsense!”; tone can still be dismissive
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Humbug - old-fashioned or dramatic (“hogwash”)
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Nonsens - borrowed from English, used in creative or academic contexts
Each word gives a different tone - Schwachsinn is for when you’re frustrated, shocked, or calling something out with force.
Word variations and tidbits
The adjective schwachsinnig (nonsensical, idiotic) still exists, but should be used carefully - it can sound outdated or offensive. Other compound words include Schwachsinnsargument (nonsensical argument) or Schwachsinnsgelaber (nonsense talk, ranting). In media, it’s often used to reject conspiracy theories, ads, or sensational news: reiner Schwachsinn = “pure nonsense.”
🧠 Fun fact: The root schwach means “weak,” and Sinn means “sense” - so Schwachsinn literally means “weak sense,” a rough equivalent of “rubbish” or “nonsense” in English.
📘 Duden entry for Schwachsinn🎥 Want to avoid vocabulary nonsense? Our free video course teaches the top 1000 German nouns - clearly explained, with real examples and a printable PDF that actually makes sense.
Ready for more German Words of the Day?Do you know what Schwierigkeit means? It’s what often leads to a bit of Schwachsinn.And what about Segen? Sometimes, it’s just what you need after hearing too much of the first.
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