das Revier
territory
An area that an animal or group of animals claims as its habitat and defends against members of the same species.
EXAMPLE
Der Wolf markiert sein Revier mit Duftmarken.
The wolf marks its territory with scent marks.
das Revier
territory / precinct
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Meanings
das Revier
district / territory
An area of responsibility or activity of a person or group, especially the district of police officers or foresters.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizisten kennen jeden Winkel in ihrem Revier.
The police officers know every corner of their district.
das Revier
police station
Colloquial short form for a police precinct, that is, a local police station.
EXAMPLE
Er musste eine Anzeige auf dem Revier erstatten.
He had to file a report at the police station.
das Revier
mining district
A specific district in mining, for example the Ruhr area as a former coal-mining district.
EXAMPLE
Das Lausitzer Revier ist für seinen Braunkohletagebau bekannt.
The Lusatian mining district is known for its open-cast lignite mining.
Usage tips
Context: animal world
When the topic is animals claiming an area for themselves, this meaning is always intended. Pay attention to verbs like 'verteidigen' (to defend), 'markieren' (to mark), or 'beanspruchen' (to claim).
EXAMPLE
Der Adler verteidigt sein Revier gegen andere Greifvögel.
The eagle defends its territory against other birds of prey.
Context: police
In connection with the police, 'Revier' (district/precinct) can mean the area of responsibility or the police station building. The preposition helps distinguish them: 'im Revier' (in the district) vs. 'auf dem Revier' (at the police station).
EXAMPLE
Der Polizist kennt jede Straße in seinem Revier.
The police officer knows every street in his district.
Figurative meaning
'Revier' (territory) is also used generally for a person's personal area of responsibility or influence. It then describes the place or subject where someone is especially knowledgeable or in control.
EXAMPLE
Die Werkstatt ist das Revier meines Vaters, da darf niemand etwas verändern.
The workshop is my father's territory; no one is allowed to change anything there.
Colloquial short form
The use of 'Revier' for a police station is colloquial. It is a short form of 'Polizeirevier' (police precinct). In official reports, the full term is usually used.
EXAMPLE
Sie musste ihren verlorenen Ausweis auf dem Revier melden.
She had to report her lost ID at the police station.
Context: mining and industry
In geographic and economic contexts, 'Revier' refers to an area with raw material deposits, especially coal. It is often combined with a geographic name, such as the 'Ruhr-Revier' (Ruhr mining district).
EXAMPLE
Das Ruhrgebiet war einst das größte Kohlerevier Europas.
The Ruhr area was once the largest coal-mining district in Europe.
Compare with
Revier vs Bereich
area / field
Bereich and Revier can both refer to a person's area of responsibility. Bereich sounds neutral and can also include tasks without geographical boundaries. Revier presents the responsibility more as a defined territory and is especially suitable for police officers or foresters.
Revier
Als Förster kontrolliere ich heute die Waldwege in meinem Revier.
As a forester, I am inspecting the forest paths in my district today.
Bereich
Die Planung der Waldwege gehört zu meinem Bereich.
Planning the forest paths falls within my area of responsibility.
In real life
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