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tratschen

to gossip, to chat idly about others

verb TRAT-shen Rare
Communication Speech

Usage Note

tratschen is the colloquial verb for gossiping. It always implies talking about third parties, often critically or indiscreetly. 'Die Nachbarinnen tratschen über jeden' (The neighbours gossip about everyone). Mildly negative but not as severe as verleumden (to slander).

Examples

"In der Kaffeepause wurde wie üblich über die Kollegen getratscht."

Natural Translation

During the coffee break there was the usual gossiping about colleagues.

Literal Translation

In the coffee-break was as usual about the colleagues gossiped.

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