01
der Inspektor
inspector
A police rank, especially in the criminal police, responsible for investigations.
example
Der Inspektor befragte die Zeugen am Tatort.
The inspector questioned the witnesses at the crime scene.
der Inspektor
inspector
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Der Inspektor' (the inspector) is derived from the verb 'inspizieren' (to inspect something carefully). The ending '-or' refers to the person who carries out this action.
EXAMPLE
Der Techniker kam, um die Heizung zu inspizieren.
The technician came to inspect the heating system.
Compound formation
To make the exact function clear, 'Inspektor' (inspector) is often used as part of a compound word. Examples include 'Polizeiinspektor' (police inspector), 'Bauinspektor' (building inspector), or 'Regierungsinspektor' (government inspector).
EXAMPLE
Der Schulinspektor besuchte heute unsere Klasse.
The school inspector visited our class today.
Police context clue
You can recognize this meaning from the context of crimes and investigations. Typical words in this context are 'Kriminalpolizei' (criminal police), 'Tatort' (crime scene), 'ermitteln' (to investigate), and 'Zeuge' (witness).
EXAMPLE
In vielen Kriminalromanen löst ein kluger Inspektor den Fall.
In many crime novels, a clever inspector solves the case.
Inspection context clue
In this meaning, the focus is on checking rules and standards. The context is often technical or organizational, such as on a 'Baustelle' (construction site), in a 'Fabrik' (factory), or when checking 'Sicherheitsvorschriften' (safety regulations).
EXAMPLE
Ein Lebensmittelinspektor kontrolliert die Hygiene in Restaurants.
A food inspector checks hygiene in restaurants.
Compare with
Inspektor vs Beobachter
observer
'der Beobachter' and 'der Inspektor' can both be present during a process and look closely. The important difference is their task. A 'Beobachter' follows something attentively and usually does not intervene; sometimes they report on it later. An 'Inspektor' checks professionally whether rules, regulations, or quality standards are being followed. The words can be confused because both can have a controlling or monitoring effect. But an 'Inspektor' normally has a clear inspection assignment, while a 'Beobachter' is more likely to watch and gather information.
Inspektor
Der Inspektor prüft heute, ob die Küche im Restaurant sauber genug ist.
The inspector is checking today whether the restaurant kitchen is clean enough.
Beobachter
Bei der Wahl waren mehrere Beobachter im Raum, aber sie griffen nicht ein.
Several observers were in the room during the election, but they did not intervene.
In real life
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