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
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Meanings
die Beute
loot
Money, valuables, or other things that were captured or stolen during a robbery, burglary, or war.
EXAMPLE
Die Diebe konnten mit reicher Beute entkommen.
The thieves were able to escape with rich loot.
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
When referring to a hunted animal, „Opfer“ can highlight the attack and death it suffers. „Beute“, by contrast, describes the same animal from the predator’s perspective as something it hunts, catches, and eats.
Beute
Der hungrige Wolf schleppte seine Beute in den Wald.
The hungry wolf dragged its prey into the forest.
Opfer
Das Reh wurde zum Opfer des hungrigen Wolfs.
The deer fell victim to the hungry wolf.
In real life
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