What does it mean?
The colloquial word “Petze” means tattletale, or snitch or tell-tale in British English, and has been used since around the 18th century.
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Usually, it is a child who squeals to the teacher or to their parents on how another child behaved wrongly, or they reveal someone’s secret by betraying their trust.
Often a “Petze” longs to receive praise for the information that they spoiled, or is eager to have the other person punished.
The classic image of children who 'petzen' to their peers, or a parent or teacher. Photo: Depositphotos/
How is it used?
It is mainly used by younger students who like to gossip frequently.
Most of the time, it is used in the verb form: “petzen”.
Example:
“Eric hat mal wieder der Lehrerin gepetzt, dass ich meine Hausaufgaben nicht gemacht habe.”
"Eric snitched to the teacher again that I did not do my homework"
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