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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 Verbrecher
criminal
'Verbrecher' and 'Gangster' both describe people who commit crimes. 'Verbrecher' is the more general word for someone who has committed a serious crime. 'Gangster' fits better when the person belongs to a criminal group or acts like part of such a group. The word often sounds more like organized crime, gangs, or movies. The words can be confused because a gangster is also a criminal. But an individual criminal without a group is not automatically a gangster.
Gangster
In dem Film kontrolliert ein Gangster mit seiner Bande den Hafen.
In the film, a gangster and his gang control the harbor.
Verbrecher
Nach dem Einbruch wurde der Verbrecher schnell gefasst.
After the break-in, the criminal was caught quickly.
In real life
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