der Raub
robbery
The violent or secret taking of someone else's property; a serious theft.
EXAMPLE
Der bewaffnete Raub der Bank wurde von Überwachungskameras aufgezeichnet.
The armed robbery of the bank was recorded by surveillance cameras.
der Raub
robbery
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Meanings
der Raub
theft
In a figurative sense, the loss of something immaterial such as time, energy, or nerves.
EXAMPLE
Die ständigen Unterbrechungen bei der Arbeit sind ein Raub meiner Konzentration.
The constant interruptions at work are a theft of my concentration.
der Raub
predation
In biology, the capturing of an animal by a predator.
EXAMPLE
Der Falke stürzte sich zum Raub auf die ahnungslose Maus.
The falcon swooped down in predation on the unsuspecting mouse.
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'der Raub' (robbery) is directly connected to the verb 'rauben' (to rob). When someone robs something, that person commits a 'Raub' (robbery).
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei untersucht den Raub und sucht nach den Tätern, die die Juwelen geraubt haben.
The police are investigating the robbery and searching for the perpetrators who stole the jewels.
Common compounds
'Raub' (robbery/theft) is a common base word in compound nouns that describe a specific type of theft or robbery. Examples are 'Bankraub' (bank robbery), 'Kunstraub' (art theft), or 'Datenraub' (data theft).
EXAMPLE
Der spektakuläre Kunstraub aus dem Museum beherrschte die Schlagzeilen.
The spectacular art theft from the museum dominated the headlines.
Typical collocations
In a legal or police context, the phrase 'einen Raub begehen' (to commit a robbery) is often used. People also speak of a 'bewaffneter Raub' (armed robbery) or a 'Raub auf' (robbery targeting) a specific target.
EXAMPLE
Die Täter begingen einen Raub auf einen Geldtransporter.
The perpetrators committed a robbery targeting a cash transport vehicle.
Figurative meaning
In the figurative meaning, 'Raub' (theft) is often used with the genitive or the preposition 'an' (+ dative) to describe the loss of something abstract. Typical phrases are 'der Raub der Zeit' (the theft of time) or 'ein Raub an meinen Nerven' (a drain on my nerves).
EXAMPLE
Ständige Meetings ohne Ergebnis sind ein Raub meiner wertvollen Arbeitszeit.
Constant meetings without results are a theft of my valuable working time.
Compare with
Raub vs Verlust
loss
Verlust and Raub can both express the involuntary loss of something intangible. Verlust neutrally describes missing possessions or time, while Raub figuratively emphasizes an external cause and often stronger criticism. Use Verlust in a factual way and Raub when you are blaming the person or thing responsible.
Raub
Die sinnlose Besprechung war ein Raub an meiner Zeit.
The pointless meeting robbed me of my time.
Verlust
Der Verlust von zwei Stunden durch die lange Wartezeit ärgerte mich sehr.
I was very annoyed by losing two hours because of the long wait.
In real life
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