security service
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security service
A private company that provides personnel and services to protect people, properties, or events.
Der Veranstalter hat einen Sicherheitsdienst engagiert, um die Eingänge zu kontrollieren.
The organizer hired a security service to check the entrances.
The word is made up of 'Sicherheit' (security) and 'Dienst' (service). The '-s-' in the middle is a linking -s that connects the two words. It literally means a service that provides security.
Der Sicherheitsdienst patrouilliert die ganze Nacht auf dem Gelände.
The security service patrols the premises all night.
The context tells you whether a private company or a government agency is meant. Words like 'Veranstaltung' (event) or 'engagieren' (to hire) point to a private service, while 'national' (national) or 'Staat' (state) indicate an agency.
Für das Konzert wurde ein privater Sicherheitsdienst engagiert.
A private security service was hired for the concert.
When referring to a private service provider, it is often 'engagiert' (hired), 'beauftragt' (commissioned), or 'angeheuert' (hired on) to carry out a specific task.
Die Firma hat einen Sicherheitsdienst mit der Überwachung des Gebäudes beauftragt.
The company commissioned a security service to monitor the building.
police
'Polizei' and 'Sicherheitsdienst' can both have to do with protection and order. 'Polizei' is a state institution and may, for example, investigate crimes. 'Sicherheitsdienst' often means a private company that protects buildings, people, or events. In another, government-related sense, 'Sicherheitsdienst' can also mean an agency for internal or external security. There is a risk of confusion because both may wear uniforms or seem responsible for safety. In everyday life, the important distinction is: for crimes or emergencies, you say 'Polizei'. For entrance checks, concerts, or building security, 'Sicherheitsdienst' is usually right.
Am Bahnhof zeigt er dem Sicherheitsdienst seine Fahrkarte.
At the train station, he shows his ticket to the security service.
Wegen des Lärms in der Nacht sprach die Nachbarin mit der Polizei.
Because of the noise at night, the neighbor spoke with the police.