das
Gerede
🗣️ What Exactly is "das Gerede"?
Das Gerede (neuter gender) mostly refers pejoratively to empty, unsubstantial, or useless talk. It can describe gossip, rumours, or simply loud, annoying talking. It's almost exclusively used in the singular because it's a kind of collective noun for a lot of talking.
- Main meaning: Gossip, rumour, idle talk, chatter, twaddle
- Other meaning: Sometimes it can just mean (loud) talk or chatter without a negative connotation, but the pejorative use is much more common.
🚨 Attention: It often carries a negative connotation, implying that what is being said is unimportant, untrue, or exaggerated.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Ge- → mostly neutral.
Nouns beginning with Ge- are usually neutral, unless other rules apply. We do not list all Ge nouns.
Ge- → mostly neutral.
Nouns beginning with Ge- are usually neutral, unless other rules apply. We do not list all Ge nouns.
The Grammar of "das Gerede" 🧐
"Das Gerede" is a noun of the neuter gender (sächlich). It is normally only used in the singular. The plural form ("die Gerede") is very uncommon and practically never used.
Declension Singular
| Case (Kasus) | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Who/What?) | das Gerede | ein Gerede |
| Accusative (Whom/What?) | das Gerede | ein Gerede |
| Dative (To whom?) | dem Gerede | einem Gerede |
| Genitive (Whose?) | des Geredes | eines Geredes |
Example Sentences
- Nominative: Das Gerede über den neuen Nachbarn hört nicht auf. (The gossip about the new neighbour doesn't stop.)
- Accusative: Ich kann das Gerede nicht mehr hören. (I can't listen to the chatter anymore.)
- Dative: Man sollte dem Gerede keinen Glauben schenken. (One shouldn't believe the gossip.)
- Genitive: Trotz des Geredes blieb er gelassen. (Despite the talk/gossip, he remained calm.)
How is "das Gerede" Used? 🤔
"Das Gerede" is mostly used to talk about conversations perceived as negative, unimportant, or false.
- Typical contexts: Neighbourhood *Klatsch* (gossip), office rumours, politicians' empty promises, general chatter at parties.
- Connotation: Mostly negative or at least critical.
- Distinction from other words:
- das Gespräch: Neutral term for a dialogue or conversation.
- die Diskussion: More of a factual exchange of arguments.
- die Unterhaltung: More of a light, pleasant exchange.
- der Klatsch / der Tratsch: Similar to Gerede, often referring to talk about others' personal affairs.
The phrase "ins Gerede kommen" means to become the subject of gossip or rumours.
Example: "Ich habe keine Lust auf das Gerede der Leute." (I'm fed up with people's talk/gossip.)
Memory Aids for "das Gerede" 🧠
- Article Mnemonic (das): Think of das large, empty Gefäß (container - neuter!) into which all das useless Gerede (talk) flows. Or: Many nouns derived from verbs describing an activity or its collective result (like here from reden - to talk) are neuter and start with Ge- (das Gerede, das Geschrei - shouting, das Gelächter - laughter, das Gemälde - painting).
- Meaning Mnemonic (Gossip, Chatter): Imagine people reden and reden (talking and talking - hence "Gerede"), but nothing meaningful comes out, just hot air – like useless stuff (neuter -> das Zeug - the stuff).
"Das constant Gerede gets on my nerves; it's just empty chatter!"
Similar and Opposite Words 🔄
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- das Geschwätz: Very similar, often interchangeable, emphasizes chattering.
- der Klatsch / der Tratsch: Gossip, usually about private matters of other people.
- das Gerücht: An unconfirmed piece of news that is spread. (Rumour)
- die Plauderei: Rather harmless, casual chat, but can also be empty talk. (Chitchat)
- das Palaver: Lengthy, unnecessary talk. (Palaver)
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning):
- das Schweigen: The absence of speech. (Silence)
- die Tatsache / der Fakt: Confirmed information, the opposite of rumour. (Fact)
- das ernsthafte Gespräch: Meaningful, important conversation. (Serious conversation)
- die relevante Information: Important, useful statement. (Relevant information)
- die Stille: Absence of sounds, including speech. (Stillness, quiet)
⚠️ Potential for Confusion:
A Little Joke 😄
German: Warum erzählt Klatsch nie die Wahrheit?
Weil er immer durch zu viele Münder geht – das reinste Gerede!
English: Why does gossip never tell the truth?
Because it always passes through too many mouths – pure chatter (Gerede)!
Gerede in Verse 📜
German:
Das Gerede, leis' und laut,
hat schon manchen Tag versaut.
Wird erzählt und rumgetragen,
oft sind's Lügen, keine Fragen.
Hör nicht hin, lass es verweh'n,
besser ist's, grad'aus zu geh'n.
English Translation:
The chatter, soft and loud,
has already spoiled many a day.
It's told and carried around,
often it's lies, no questions asked.
Don't listen, let it blow away,
it's better to walk straight ahead.
Who or What Am I? 🤔
German:
Ich habe keinen Mund, doch spreche viel,
verbreite manches ohne Ziel.
Mal bin ich Klatsch, mal nur Geschwätz,
und selten ein wahrer Schatz.
Man hört mich oft, doch sieht mich nicht,
was bin ich wohl, sag's mir ins Gesicht!
English Translation:
I have no mouth, yet speak a lot,
spreading things without a plot.
Sometimes I'm gossip, sometimes just twaddle,
and rarely a true treasure to coddle.
You often hear me, but see me not,
what am I then, give it a shot!
Solution: das Gerede (gossip, chatter)
Other Interesting Details 💡
- Word Origin: "Gerede" is a nominalization (making a noun) of the verb "reden" (to talk) using the prefix "Ge-". This prefix often indicates a collective formation or the result of an action (compare Ge-birge - mountain range, Ge-mälde - painting).
- Connotation: As mentioned, the connotation is mostly negative. It often implies superficiality, untruth, or triviality.
- Culturally: Many cultures have concepts similar to "Gerede", often viewed negatively (e.g., English "gossip", "idle talk").
Summary: is it der, die or das Gerede?
The correct article for Gerede is das: das Gerede. It typically refers pejoratively to empty talk, gossip, or rumours, and is almost exclusively used in the singular.