looting
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looting
The violent and lawless stealing of property, often on a large scale during a war, riot, or natural disaster.
Nach dem Zusammenbruch der öffentlichen Ordnung kam es in der ganzen Stadt zu Plünderungen.
After the collapse of public order, looting broke out across the city.
The noun 'die Plünderung' (looting) is derived directly from the verb 'plündern' (to loot). The ending '-ung' turns the action of looting into a noun that describes the process or the result.
Die Armee wurde angewiesen, das Plündern der Stadt zu verhindern.
The army was ordered to prevent the looting of the city.
The phrase 'es kommt zu Plünderungen' (looting occurs / breaks out) is often used to describe the beginning of such events. Other typical verbs are 'Plünderungen verhindern' (to prevent looting) or 'an Plünderungen teilnehmen' (to take part in looting).
Während des Stromausfalls kam es in einigen Vierteln zu Plünderungen.
During the power outage, looting broke out in some neighborhoods.
The word is very often used in the plural ('die Plünderungen') to express that the incidents are repeated or widespread and take place in several locations.
Die Nachrichten berichteten von schweren Plünderungen nach dem Erdbeben.
The news reported severe looting after the earthquake.
theft
'der Diebstahl' (theft) and 'die Plünderung' (looting) both describe property being taken unlawfully. 'Diebstahl' is the normal word for an individual case, for example when a bag, a bicycle, or money is stolen. 'Plünderung' usually means violent and chaotic stealing on a larger scale, often after a war, riot, or disaster. The words can be confused because in both cases something is stolen. For everyday situations, 'Diebstahl' usually fits; 'Plünderung' is more appropriate for serious exceptional situations with many perpetrators or a lot of damage.
Nach dem Sturm kam es in einigen Geschäften zu Plünderungen.
After the storm, looting occurred in some shops.
Der Diebstahl des Fahrrads wurde sofort bei der Polizei gemeldet.
The theft of the bicycle was reported to the police immediately.