crook
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crook
A person who commits criminal acts, especially theft or fraud. The word often has a slightly derogatory or colloquial connotation and usually refers to a petty criminal.
Die Polizei hat den Ganoven nach einer langen Verfolgungsjagd endlich gefasst.
After a long chase, the police finally caught the crook.
'Der Ganove' (the crook) belongs to the N-declension. This means that the word takes the ending '-n' in all cases except the nominative singular. This is an important grammatical feature for many masculine nouns that refer to people.
Die Polizei beobachtet den Ganoven schon seit Wochen.
The police have been watching the crook for weeks.
The word 'Ganove' (crook) is colloquial and is often used in a narrative or slightly downplaying context. In official police reports or news texts, you would be more likely to find neutral terms.
In alten Kriminalfilmen gibt es oft sympathische Ganoven.
In old crime films, there are often likable crooks.
In connection with 'Ganove' (crook), verbs are often used that describe catching or proving someone guilty. Typical combinations are 'einen Ganoven fassen' (to catch a crook), 'einen Ganoven schnappen' (to nab a crook), or 'einen Ganoven verhaften' (to arrest a crook).
Dem Kommissar gelang es, den gerissenen Ganoven zu schnappen.
The detective managed to nab the cunning crook.
criminal
'der Verbrecher' and 'der Ganove' both refer to people who act criminally. 'Verbrecher' is a general and rather serious word, especially for serious crimes. 'Ganove' sounds more colloquial and often a bit less official. It is especially suitable for theft, fraud, or smaller criminal dealings. In the news or in court, 'Verbrecher' is usually more neutral and more precise. In a conversation about a fraudster or thief, 'Ganove' can sound more natural, but it is slightly derogatory.
Der Ganove verkaufte gefälschte Tickets vor dem Stadion.
The crook sold fake tickets outside the stadium.
Nach dem Urteil muss der Verbrecher mehrere Jahre ins Gefängnis.
After the verdict, the criminal has to go to prison for several years.