espionage
die Spionage
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espionage
The secret gathering of confidential information, especially political, military, or economic secrets of another state or a competitor.
Der Diplomat wurde der Spionage für eine ausländische Macht überführt und des Landes verwiesen.
The diplomat was convicted of espionage for a foreign power and expelled from the country.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| genitive | der Spionage |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Spionage | – |
| accusative | die Spionage | – |
| dative | der Spionage | – |
| genitive | der Spionage | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word 'Spionage' (espionage) belongs to the word family of 'spionieren' (to spy) and 'der Spion' (the spy). All of these words refer to the secret acquisition of information.
Ein feindlicher Spion wurde an der Grenze gefasst.
An enemy spy was caught at the border.
'Spionage' (espionage) is often used with certain verbs. Typical combinations are 'Spionage betreiben' (to engage in espionage), 'jemandem Spionage vorwerfen' (to accuse someone of espionage), or 'jemanden der Spionage überführen' (to convict/prove someone guilty of espionage).
Mehreren Personen wird vorgeworfen, für einen fremden Staat Spionage betrieben zu haben.
Several people are accused of having engaged in espionage for a foreign state.
To describe the area of espionage more precisely, the word is often used in compounds. Common examples are 'Wirtschaftsspionage' (economic espionage), 'Industriespionage' (industrial espionage), or 'Militärspionage' (military espionage).
Wirtschaftsspionage verursacht jährlich Schäden in Milliardenhöhe.
Economic espionage causes billions in damages every year.
clarification / Enlightenment
Aufklärung and Spionage can both provide militarily important information. Aufklärung refers to reconnoitering terrain or enemy positions. Spionage, on the other hand, means secretly gathering confidential information. Aufklärung is therefore appropriate for observable positions, while Spionage is appropriate for stolen secrets.
Ein eingeschleuster Mitarbeiter betreibt Spionage, um geheime Einsatzpläne zu beschaffen.
An infiltrated employee engages in espionage to obtain secret operational plans.
Eine Drohne dient der Aufklärung feindlicher Stellungen im Grenzgebiet.
A drone is used to reconnoiter enemy positions in the border area.
