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
der Inspektor
inspector
A person whose job is to check or supervise something in order to ensure that regulations are followed.
EXAMPLE
Der Bauinspektor hat die Baustelle wegen Sicherheitsmängeln stillgelegt.
The building inspector shut down the construction site because of safety deficiencies.
der Inspektor
inspector
An official title in public administration, typically in the civil-service career track of the higher intermediate service.
EXAMPLE
Nach Abschluss ihres Studiums wurde sie zur Regierungsinspektorin ernannt.
After completing her studies, she was appointed as a government inspector.
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 Kommissar
commissioner / inspector
Kommissar and Inspektor can both refer to a police officer who conducts investigations. However, they are different official titles, whose exact usage depends on the relevant police system. You should therefore use the title used by the authority in question or by the country being portrayed.
Inspektor
In der ausländischen Serie übernimmt Inspektor Berger den Mordfall.
In the foreign TV series, Inspector Berger takes charge of the murder case.
Kommissar
In dem deutschen Krimi übernimmt Kommissar Berger den Mordfall.
In the German crime drama, Detective Inspector Berger takes charge of the murder case.
In real life
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