01
der Dieb
thief
A person who secretly steals someone else's property.
example
Der Dieb wurde dank der Überwachungskamera schnell identifiziert.
The thief was quickly identified thanks to the surveillance camera.
der Dieb
thief
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Dieb' (the thief) belongs to a word family: the verb is 'stehlen' (to steal), and the act itself is called 'der Diebstahl' (the theft).
EXAMPLE
Ein Dieb hat versucht, mein Fahrrad zu stehlen, aber der Diebstahl ist zum Glück misslungen.
A thief tried to steal my bicycle, but fortunately the theft failed.
Compound nouns
The word 'Dieb' (thief) is often used as the second part of compound nouns to specify the type of theft. Examples are 'der Taschendieb' (pickpocket), 'der Ladendieb' (shoplifter), or 'der Autodieb' (car thief).
EXAMPLE
In der vollen U-Bahn muss man besonders auf Taschendiebe achten.
In the crowded subway, you have to watch out especially for pickpockets.
Fixed expression
There is the well-known proverb 'Gelegenheit macht Diebe' (opportunity makes thieves). It means that a favorable situation can tempt people to do something wrong.
EXAMPLE
Lass deine Wertsachen nicht offen im Auto liegen, denn Gelegenheit macht Diebe.
Don't leave your valuables lying in plain sight in the car, because opportunity makes thieves.
Sentence structure with 'stehlen'
The related verb 'stehlen' (to steal) is often constructed with the dative and accusative: Der Dieb (subject) stiehlt einer Person (dative) eine Sache (accusative).
EXAMPLE
Der Dieb stahl der alten Dame die Handtasche.
The thief stole the old lady's handbag.
Compare with
Dieb vs Räuber
robber
'der Räuber' and 'der Dieb' both refer to a person who steals something that belongs to someone else. The important difference is the way the stealing happens. A 'Dieb' steals secretly, for example a bag or a bicycle, without the victim noticing right away. A 'Räuber' uses violence or threats, for example during a robbery. Learners easily confuse the words because both involve theft. As a simple guide: if it is secret, it is a 'Dieb'; if it involves violence or threats, it is a 'Räuber'.
Dieb
Beim Einkaufen bemerkte Anna nicht, dass ein Dieb ihre Geldbörse aus der Tasche nahm.
While shopping, Anna did not notice that a thief took her wallet from her bag.
Räuber
Der Räuber bedrohte den Verkäufer und nahm das Geld aus der Kasse.
The robber threatened the shop assistant and took the money from the register.
In real life
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