01
die Beute
prey
An animal that is hunted, caught, and eaten by another animal (a predator).
example
Der Löwe schlich sich leise an seine Beute heran.
The lion quietly crept up on its prey.
die Beute
prey / loot
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning of 'Beute' (prey/loot) becomes clear from the context. If people are talking about animals and hunting (e.g., lion, eagle, mouse), it means a hunted animal. If people are talking about crime or war (e.g., thief, police, robbery), it means stolen goods.
EXAMPLE
Die Eule hat in der Nacht Beute gemacht.
The owl caught prey during the night.
Grammar note
The word 'Beute' (prey/loot) is usually used as an uncountable noun in the singular, even when it refers to many objects or animals. The plural 'die Beuten' is very rare.
EXAMPLE
Die Räuber teilten die reiche Beute unter sich auf.
The robbers divided the rich loot among themselves.
Typical verbs
In the context of the animal world, 'Beute' (prey) is often combined with verbs such as 'jagen' (to hunt), 'erlegen' (to kill/hunt down), 'schlagen' (to strike/catch), or 'reißen' (to tear apart/kill prey).
EXAMPLE
Der Wolf reißt seine Beute meist im Rudel.
The wolf usually kills its prey in a pack.
Fixed expression
In connection with theft or robbery, the expressions 'reiche Beute machen' (to get rich loot) or 'fette Beute machen' (to make a big haul) are very common.
EXAMPLE
Die Bankräuber machten fette Beute und konnten fliehen.
The bank robbers made a big haul and were able to flee.
Compare with
Beute vs Opfer
victim / sacrifice
'das Opfer' and 'die Beute' can both be connected with violence, hunting, or a crime. 'Opfer' means a person who suffers harm, for example in an accident or crime. 'Beute' means either an animal that is hunted, or things that have been stolen. Learners may confuse the words because both occur in crime stories. As a practical rule: people who suffer are Opfer; stolen things or hunted animals are Beute.
Beute
Die Einbrecher versteckten ihre Beute in einem alten Keller.
The burglars hid their loot in an old cellar.
Opfer
Nach dem Überfall sprach die Ärztin lange mit dem Opfer.
After the robbery, the doctor spoke with the victim for a long time.
In real life
Loading video examples...