der Bandit
bandit
An armed robber who often attacks and robs people as a member of a gang.
EXAMPLE
Die Postkutsche wurde von einer Gruppe von Banditen überfallen.
The stagecoach was attacked by a group of bandits.
der Bandit
bandit
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Meanings
der Bandit
little rascal
A colloquial, often joking term for a naughty or clever person, especially a child.
EXAMPLE
Du kleiner Bandit, hast du schon wieder vom Kuchen genascht?
You little rascal, have you been sneaking cake again?
Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning depends on the tone and situation. The literal meaning describes a criminal and is used in a serious context. The figurative meaning is colloquial, joking, and often affectionate.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei konnte die Banditen nach einer langen Verfolgung festnehmen.
The police were able to arrest the bandits after a long chase.
Register and usage
The term 'Bandit' (little rascal) for a person, especially a child, is purely colloquial and joking. It expresses that someone is cheeky or clever, but not actually criminal.
EXAMPLE
Mein Neffe ist ein kleiner Bandit, der immer neue Streiche ausheckt.
My nephew is a little rascal who is always coming up with new pranks.
Typical collocations
In its literal meaning as a robber, 'Bandit' (bandit) is often used in the plural and in connection with the word 'Bande' (gang). A typical formulation is 'eine Bande von Banditen' (a gang of bandits).
EXAMPLE
Im Film kämpft der Held gegen eine ganze Bande von Banditen.
In the film, the hero fights against a whole gang of bandits.
Compare with
Bandit vs Räuber
robber
Räuber and Bandit can both refer to a criminal who attacks and robs people. Räuber generally describes the act of stealing through violence or threats. Bandit more specifically refers to an armed robber, often a member of a gang, and is especially suited to historical or narrative contexts.
Bandit
Der bewaffnete Bandit überfiel mit seiner Bande eine Postkutsche und raubte die Reisenden aus.
The armed bandit and his gang attacked a stagecoach and robbed the travelers.
Räuber
Der Räuber bedrohte den Reisenden auf der Landstraße und nahm ihm das Geld ab.
The robber threatened the traveler on the country road and took his money.
In real life
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