noun

das Gerücht, -e

rumor

Eine Information, die viele Menschen erzählen, obwohl niemand sicher weiß, ob sie stimmt.

Definition & meaning

A Gerücht is a rumor or a piece of information that is passed from person to person without any clear evidence of its truth. It refers to talk or news that is circulating among the public but has not been officially confirmed. Common phrases include "ein Gerücht verbreiten" (to spread a rumor) or "ein Gerücht dementieren" (to deny a rumor).

Grammar & Word origin

The word is a neuter noun (das Gerücht). Its plural form is "die Gerüchte".

Etymologically, the word is derived from the Middle High German "gerühte", which comes from the verb "rufen" (to call or to shout). Historically, it meant a "calling out" or the public reputation of someone. Over time, the meaning shifted from a loud public announcement to the unverified talk or "hearsay" that we associate with the word today.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

das Gerede : General talk or chatter, often with a slightly negative connotation.
die Munkelei : Secretive talk or whispering about something.
das Hörensagen : Hearsay; information heard from others rather than known directly.
die Ente : Specifically used for a false newspaper report or a "hoax".

Antonyms: