to loot
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to loot
To take possession of something through robbery, theft, battle, or hunting. It describes the act of taking something as booty or prey.
Die Piraten erbeuteten Gold und Juwelen von dem Handelsschiff.
The pirates looted gold and jewels from the merchant ship.
The verb 'erbeuten' (to loot) is closely related to the noun 'die Beute' (the loot, the prey). The prefix 'er-' here emphasizes the successful completion of the action: you have turned something into loot or prey.
Der Fuchs erbeutete in der Nacht drei Hühner.
The fox caught three chickens during the night.
'Erbeuten' (to loot) is an inseparable verb because it begins with 'er-'. The prefix always stays at the beginning of the verb, even in main clauses and in the past participle (erbeutet).
Die Hacker erbeuteten sensible Daten von Tausenden von Nutzern.
The hackers looted sensitive data from thousands of users.
This verb is almost always used in contexts of crime (thieves, robbers), war (soldiers), or hunting (predators). It has a negative or violent connotation.
Bei dem Banküberfall erbeuteten die Täter eine große Summe Bargeld.
During the bank robbery, the perpetrators looted a large amount of cash.
to attain
'erlangen' and 'erbeuten' have in common that someone brings something into their possession. But the difference is important: 'erlangen' is more neutral and is often used for abstract things that you achieve through time, work, or effort. 'erbeuten' means that you get something as booty or prey, for example through robbery, theft, battle, or hunting. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with getting something or possession. 'erlangen' fits normal or positive goals; 'erbeuten' only fits when it is about booty or prey, and usually about violence, theft, or hunting.
Die Diebe erbeuteten Schmuck und Bargeld aus dem Haus.
The thieves looted jewelry and cash from the house.
Nach dem Kurs erlangte Ali ein Zertifikat für seine Bewerbung.
After the course, Ali attained a certificate for his job application.