crime story / thriller
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crime story / thriller
A film, book, or radio play in which a crime is at the center and its investigation is presented in an exciting way.
Sonntagabend schaue ich am liebsten den neuen Krimi im Fernsehen.
On Sunday evenings, I most like watching the new crime drama on TV.
'Krimi' (crime story / thriller) is a short form. The word developed from longer words such as 'Kriminalroman' (crime novel) or 'Kriminalfilm' (crime film) and has become established in general usage.
Ich lese gerade einen spannenden Kriminalroman.
I'm currently reading an exciting crime novel.
You can easily recognize the meaning from context. If people are talking about media such as books, films, or series, it means a crime story. In connection with real events such as a sports match or an election, it means an exciting situation.
Im Fernsehen läuft ein schwedischer Krimi.
There's a Swedish crime drama on TV.
When referring to a crime story, 'Krimi' (crime story / thriller) is often combined with verbs that describe media consumption. Typical ones are: 'einen Krimi lesen' (to read a crime novel), 'schauen' (to watch), 'sehen' (to see/watch), or also 'schreiben' (to write) and 'drehen' (to shoot/film).
Am Sonntagabend schauen wir immer zusammen den Krimi.
On Sunday evenings, we always watch the crime drama together.
The figurative meaning for an exciting situation is colloquial. In more formal contexts, you would be more likely to speak of a 'dramatic' or 'highly exciting' situation.
Die letzte Runde der Verhandlungen war ein echter Krimi.
The final round of negotiations was a real thriller.
drama
'das Drama' and 'der Krimi' can both refer to an exciting or intense plot in books, films, or theater. The most important difference is the content: a 'Drama' is usually serious, emotional, or tragic. A 'Krimi' revolves around a crime and its investigation. Colloquially, both can also be used for real situations: 'Drama' emphasizes strong emotions or an exaggerated reaction, while 'Krimi' emphasizes suspense and an uncertain outcome. They can be confused when a story is both sad and exciting. In that case, it is best to ask: Is it mainly about emotions and conflicts, or about a crime?
Am Abend schaut Max einen Krimi, in dem ein Detektiv einen Dieb sucht.
In the evening, Max watches a crime story in which a detective searches for a thief.
In der Schule lesen sie ein Drama über eine schwierige Familie.
At school, they are reading a drama about a difficult family.