Meaning
To be significant or important enough to talk about.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the German value of 'Bescheidenheit' (modesty). Downplaying one's own contribution is a key social lubricant. In Austria, while 'Nicht der Rede wert' is understood, people often use 'Passt schon' or 'Gern geschehen' in casual settings, which feels slightly warmer. Swiss German speakers use the High German phrase in formal contexts, but in dialect, they have their own variations like 'Isch nüt gsy' (Es war nichts). In German business meetings, efficiency is prized. Using 'nicht der Rede wert' to dismiss minor points shows you respect everyone's time.
Use 'kaum'
Adding 'kaum' (hardly) makes you sound very native and nuanced. 'Das ist kaum der Rede wert.'
Don't forget the 'der'
It's always 'der Rede', never just 'Rede wert'.
Meaning
To be significant or important enough to talk about.
Use 'kaum'
Adding 'kaum' (hardly) makes you sound very native and nuanced. 'Das ist kaum der Rede wert.'
Don't forget the 'der'
It's always 'der Rede', never just 'Rede wert'.
Sarcasm Tool
Use it sarcastically to point out something that is actually a big deal: 'Na, das ist ja mal der Rede wert!'
Modesty is Key
When in doubt, use it to deflect a compliment. It makes you appear grounded.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the polite response.
A: Danke für deine Hilfe! B: Ach, das war doch nicht ______ ______ ______.
The phrase always uses the genitive 'der Rede'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say a small scratch on a car is not important?
Wie beschreibt man einen kleinen Kratzer?
This is the standard idiomatic way to dismiss the importance of a minor issue.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate phrase.
Chef: 'War die {die|f} Konferenz wichtig?' Mitarbeiter: 'Nein, eigentlich war sie ______.'
'Kaum der Rede wert' means 'hardly worth mentioning', which fits the 'Nein' response.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Someone thanks you for holding the elevator.
It's a polite way to say 'no problem' for a small favor.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Modesty Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercisesA: Danke für deine Hilfe! B: Ach, das war doch nicht ______ ______ ______.
The phrase always uses the genitive 'der Rede'.
Wie beschreibt man einen kleinen Kratzer?
This is the standard idiomatic way to dismiss the importance of a minor issue.
Chef: 'War die {die|f} Konferenz wichtig?' Mitarbeiter: 'Nein, eigentlich war sie ______.'
'Kaum der Rede wert' means 'hardly worth mentioning', which fits the 'Nein' response.
Situation: Someone thanks you for holding the elevator.
It's a polite way to say 'no problem' for a small favor.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsIt's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend. It's very versatile.
Yes, but it's less common. 'Das ist durchaus der Rede wert' means 'That is definitely worth mentioning'.
It's the genitive case. In old German, 'wert' required the genitive. It's a grammatical fossil!
Similar, but 'Gern geschehen' means 'I did it gladly', while 'Nicht der Rede wert' means 'It was so small it doesn't need words'.
No, the order is fixed: 'der Rede wert'.
The opposite is 'erwähnenswert' or simply 'wichtig'. There isn't a single fixed idiom for the opposite.
Yes, especially when dismissing minor points or previous research that isn't relevant.
Not at all. It's used every day in news, business, and casual talk.
No, you wouldn't say 'Er ist nicht der Rede wert' unless you mean 'He is not worth talking about' (which is quite mean!).
The High German form is understood everywhere, though local variations for 'you're welcome' exist.
Like 'vairt'. Make sure the 'v' is strong and the 't' is crisp.
No, you must conjugate 'sein'. For example: 'Das *ist* nicht der Rede wert.'
'Nicht' is absolute (not worth it), 'kaum' is 'hardly' (almost not worth it).
Teenagers might just say 'Egal' or 'Wayne' (from 'Who cares?').
Related Phrases
nennenswert
synonymworth mentioning
erwähnenswert
synonymnoteworthy
ins Gewicht fallen
similarto carry weight / be significant
von Belang sein
similarto be of importance
keine Rolle spielen
contrastto play no role / not matter
