der Gangster
gangster
A person who is a member of a criminal group, a gang, and commits crimes.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei verhaftete den Gangster nach einer langen Verfolgungsjagd.
The police arrested the gangster after a long chase.
der Gangster
gangster
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'Gangster' (gangster) was borrowed directly from English and is derived from 'gang'. It refers to a member of a criminal gang.
EXAMPLE
In alten Schwarz-Weiß-Filmen gibt es oft Geschichten über berühmte Gangster.
In old black-and-white films, there are often stories about famous gangsters.
Typical collocations
'Gangster' (gangster) is often combined with adjectives like 'berüchtigt' (notorious), 'gefährlich' (dangerous), or 'eiskalt' (cold-blooded). The context is usually crime, the police, or mafia films.
EXAMPLE
Al Capone ist wohl einer der berüchtigtsten Gangster der Geschichte.
Al Capone is probably one of the most notorious gangsters in history.
Register and style
The word often has a slightly exaggerated, almost cinematic connotation. It is used both in the press and in colloquial language to describe organized criminals.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder spielten draußen „Polizei und Gangster“.
The children were playing 'cops and gangsters' outside.
Compare with
Gangster vs Bandit
bandit
Both words can refer to a person who acts as an armed criminal. „Der Gangster“ emphasizes membership in a criminal group and its milieu, while „der Bandit“ primarily appears as an armed robber and outlaw. Choose „Gangster“ for organized group crime and „Bandit“ for a robbery.
Gangster
Der Gangster plante den Überfall gemeinsam mit den anderen Mitgliedern seiner kriminellen Gruppe.
The gangster planned the robbery together with the other members of his criminal group.
Bandit
Der Bandit überfiel den Reisenden auf der einsamen Straße und raubte ihn aus.
The bandit ambushed the traveler on the deserted road and robbed him.
In real life
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