decoy
der Lockvogel, die Lockvögel
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decoy
A person, animal, or thing used to lure someone to a particular place or persuade them to take a particular action.
Die Polizei setzte einen Lockvogel ein, um den Betrüger zu überführen.
The police used a decoy to catch the fraudster.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Lockvögel |
| genitive | des Lockvogels |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Lockvogel | die Lockvögel |
| accusative | den Lockvogel | die Lockvögel |
| dative | dem Lockvogel | den Lockvögeln |
| genitive | des Lockvogels | der Lockvögel |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Lockvogel' (decoy) is made up of 'locken' (to lure) and 'Vogel' (bird). The word originally referred to a bird used to lure other birds and is now mostly used figuratively.
Der Händler stellte ein besonders günstiges Produkt als Lockvogel ins Schaufenster.
The retailer put a particularly cheap product in the shop window as a decoy.
Common phrases include 'einen Lockvogel einsetzen' (to use a decoy), 'als Lockvogel dienen' (to serve as a decoy), and 'jemanden als Lockvogel benutzen' (to use someone as a decoy). The person or thing fulfilling this role can be introduced with 'als' (as).
Die Ermittlerin diente als Lockvogel und traf sich mit dem Verdächtigen.
The investigator served as a decoy and met with the suspect.
'Lockvogel' (decoy) is particularly common in reports about investigations, fraud, or targeted advertising. It describes a person, animal, or offer deliberately used to attract interest and prompt someone to act.
Das kostenlose Probetraining war nur ein Lockvogel für einen langfristigen Vertrag.
The free trial workout was just a decoy to lure people into a long-term contract.
