mafia
die Mafia, die Mafias
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mafia
A secret criminal organization that enforces its interests through violence, intimidation, bribery, or other illegal means. The word often refers specifically to the Italian Mafia, but it can also mean similar criminal organizations in general.
Die Mafia erpresste jahrelang Schutzgeld von den Geschäftsleuten.
The Mafia extorted protection money from local business owners for years.
mafia
A powerful, closed group that ruthlessly pursues its common interests, often using unfair or dishonest methods. This figurative use can also refer to groups in politics, business, or other areas.
Im Verein bestimmt eine kleine Mafia aus alten Funktionären, wer in den Vorstand kommt.
A small mafia of old-guard officials decides who gets onto the board of the association.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Mafias |
| genitive | der Mafia |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Mafia | die Mafias |
| accusative | die Mafia | die Mafias |
| dative | der Mafia | den Mafias |
| genitive | der Mafia | der Mafias |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Words such as „Schutzgeld“ (protection money), „Erpressung“ (extortion), and „Gewalt“ (violence) usually point to the criminal meaning. Compounds referring to a particular field, such as „Immobilienmafia“ (real estate mafia), often indicate the figurative meaning of a powerful and closed interest group.
Die Zeitung berichtet über Erpressung und Gewalt, mit denen die Mafia ganze Stadtviertel kontrolliert.
The newspaper reports on the extortion and violence the Mafia uses to control entire neighborhoods.
Die Immobilienmafia soll den Wettbewerb auf dem Wohnungsmarkt behindert haben.
The real estate mafia is said to have hindered competition in the housing market.
Typical phrases include „gegen die Mafia ermitteln“ (to investigate the Mafia), „der Kampf gegen die Mafia“ (the fight against the Mafia), and „in die Fänge der Mafia geraten“ (to fall into the Mafia's clutches). They occur especially often in reports about organized crime.
Die Staatsanwaltschaft ermittelt seit Jahren gegen die Mafia.
The public prosecutor's office has been investigating the Mafia for years.
Der junge Mann geriet durch einen Bekannten in die Fänge der Mafia.
The young man fell into the Mafia's clutches through an acquaintance.
„Mafia“ can appear as the second part of compounds and then often refers to a closed group in a particular field that is accused of using dishonest methods. Such terms are often pointed and are especially common in public debates.
Die sogenannte Baumafia soll bei mehreren Aufträgen Absprachen getroffen haben.
The so-called „Baumafia“ (construction mafia) is said to have colluded on several contracts.
