01
der Einbrecher
burglar
A person who illegally enters a building in order to steal things.
example
Die Polizei konnte den Einbrecher auf frischer Tat ertappen.
The police were able to catch the burglar in the act.
der Einbrecher
burglar
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is derived from the separable verb 'einbrechen' (to break in). The prefix 'ein-' means 'in' or 'into', 'brechen' describes the forceful action, and the ending '-er' refers to the male person who carries out this action.
EXAMPLE
Jemand hat versucht, in unsere Wohnung einzubrechen.
Someone tried to break into our apartment.
Word family
'Der Einbrecher' (the burglar) belongs to a word family. The verb is 'einbrechen' (to break in), and the act itself is called 'der Einbruch' (the break-in/burglary). When you learn one word, the others become easier to learn too.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Einbruch fehlten Schmuck und Bargeld.
After the burglary, jewelry and cash were missing.
Typical collocations
In connection with the police, people often talk about 'fassen' (catching), 'stellen' (cornering/confronting), or 'verhaften' (arresting) a burglar.
EXAMPLE
Der aufmerksame Nachbar half der Polizei, den Einbrecher zu fassen.
The alert neighbor helped the police catch the burglar.
Compare with
Einbrecher vs Räuber
robber
'der Räuber' and 'der Einbrecher' can both be criminal people who steal something. A 'Räuber' takes something from others using violence or threats, often directly in front of the victim. An 'Einbrecher' illegally enters a house, apartment, or shop in order to steal something there. The words can be confused because both have to do with theft. Pay attention to the situation: if it is about violence against a person, 'Räuber' fits. If it is about entering a building, 'Einbrecher' fits.
Einbrecher
War der Einbrecher durch das offene Fenster in die Wohnung gekommen?
Had the burglar come into the apartment through the open window?
Räuber
Nach dem Überfall suchte die Polizei den Räuber in der ganzen Stadt.
After the robbery, the police searched the whole city for the robber.
In real life
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