State Security / national security
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State Security
The name for the domestic and foreign intelligence service of the German Democratic Republic (GDR), often called 'Stasi' for short. This organization was responsible for monitoring the population, espionage, and suppressing political opponents.
Viele Bürger der DDR wurden von der Staatssicherheit bespitzelt.
Many citizens of the GDR were spied on by State Security.
national security
In the general, literal sense, the security of a state and its institutions against internal and external threats. In this meaning, however, the term 'nationale Sicherheit' (national security) is used more often.
Der Schutz kritischer Infrastruktur ist eine zentrale Aufgabe für die Staatssicherheit.
Protecting critical infrastructure is a central task of national security.
The word is made up of 'Staat' (state), the linking -s, and 'Sicherheit' (security). So it literally describes the security of the state.
Die Staatssicherheit war ein zentrales Machtinstrument der DDR-Führung.
State Security was a central instrument of power for the GDR leadership.
In German, 'die Staatssicherheit' almost always refers to the intelligence service of the former GDR. The historical context is crucial for understanding it.
Er forscht über die Methoden der Staatssicherheit in den 1980er Jahren.
He is researching the methods of State Security in the 1980s.
In everyday language and in the media, the abbreviation 'die Stasi' is almost always used. This short form is very common and is understood immediately.
Nach dem Mauerfall wurden die Akten der Stasi geöffnet.
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Stasi files were opened.
Common verbs in this context are 'von der Staatssicherheit überwacht werden' (to be monitored by State Security) or 'für die Staatssicherheit arbeiten' (to work for State Security). People also often talk about the 'Akten der Staatssicherheit' (State Security files).
Tausende Bürger arbeiteten als Informanten für die Staatssicherheit.
Thousands of citizens worked as informants for State Security.
state security
Both words can be associated with state protection, but they do not mean the same thing. „Die Staatssicherheit“ usually refers to the secret police of the former GDR, whereas „der Staatsschutz“ refers to a special police department. Use „Staatssicherheit“ in the context of the GDR and „Staatsschutz“ for present-day police investigations.
In der DDR überwachte die Staatssicherheit viele Bürger und politische Gegner.
In the GDR, the State Security Service monitored many citizens and political opponents.
Der Staatsschutz ermittelte nach dem Verdacht auf eine politisch motivierte Straftat.
The state security division investigated after a politically motivated crime was suspected.
