to deport
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to deport
To forcibly move people from their place of residence to another place, usually by order of state authorities. The term is strongly associated with political persecution and crimes against humanity.
Während der nationalsozialistischen Diktatur wurden Millionen Juden in Konzentrationslager deportiert.
During the Nazi dictatorship, millions of Jews were deported to concentration camps.
The verb comes from the Latin 'deportare', which is composed of 'de-' (away) and 'portare' (to carry, to bring). So it literally means 'to take away', which highlights the aspect of force.
Die Besatzungsmacht begann, die lokale Bevölkerung zu deportieren.
The occupying power began to deport the local population.
The construction is typically 'jemanden (Akkusativ) deportieren' (to deport someone [accusative]). The destination of the deportation is often indicated with the prepositions 'in' (plus accusative) or 'nach'.
Die Gefangenen wurden in Arbeitslager deportiert.
The prisoners were deported to labor camps.
This word has a very strong negative meaning. It is used almost exclusively in connection with state coercion, political persecution, war, and crimes against humanity.
Ein Mahnmal erinnert an die deportierten Bürger der Stadt.
A memorial commemorates the deported citizens of the city.
to drive away / distribute
'vertreiben' and 'deportieren' can both mean that people are forcibly taken away from a place or forced to leave. 'vertreiben' is more general: it can refer to people, animals, or groups that have to leave a place. 'deportieren' is much more specific and more severe. It usually means that state authorities forcibly take people to another place. The word is strongly associated with political persecution and serious crimes. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with force and taking people away. For general chasing away or driving out, 'vertreiben' fits; for state-organized forced deportation, 'deportieren' fits.
Während der Diktatur wurden viele Menschen aus ihrer Heimat deportiert.
During the dictatorship, many people were deported from their homeland.
Der laute Hund hat die Vögel aus dem Garten vertrieben.
The loud dog drove the birds out of the garden.