espionage
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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.
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
'die Aufklärung' and 'die Spionage' can both mean that someone gathers information that is important for the military, politics, or business. The main difference lies in the method and purpose. 'die Aufklärung' sounds more like planned reconnaissance, for example in a military context, in order to understand a situation better. 'die Spionage' is secret and focuses on confidential information, often from an opponent or competitor. Learners may confuse the words because in both cases information is obtained. When secret spying is the main point, 'Spionage' is more precise.
Die Firma verdächtigte einen Mitarbeiter der Spionage für einen Konkurrenten.
The company suspected an employee of espionage for a competitor.
Vor dem Einsatz schickte die Einheit ein Team zur Aufklärung des Geländes.
Before the operation, the unit sent a team to reconnoiter the area.