stalking
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stalking
The repeated and persistent following, harassing, or threatening of a person against their will, which causes the victim fear and psychological stress. It is a criminal offense in many countries.
Nach monatelangem Stalking erstattete sie endlich Anzeige bei der Polizei.
After months of stalking, she finally filed a report with the police.
'Stalking' is a word from English. In German, it is used as a noun and, like many English words ending in '-ing', is neuter. That is why it is 'das Stalking' (stalking).
Das Stalking hat bei ihr zu schweren psychischen Problemen geführt.
The stalking led to serious psychological problems for her.
The related verb is 'stalken' (to stalk). While 'das Stalking' (stalking) describes the general criminal offense, 'stalken' is used to refer to the active behavior of a person.
Er hat sie monatelang gestalkt, bevor sie zur Polizei ging.
He stalked her for months before she went to the police.
The word is often used in legal and police contexts. Typical phrases are 'jemanden wegen Stalking anzeigen' (to report someone for stalking) or 'Opfer von Stalking werden' (to become a victim of stalking).
Sie hat ihren Ex-Freund wegen Stalking angezeigt.
She reported her ex-boyfriend for stalking.
pursuit / persecution
'die Verfolgung' and 'das Stalking' can both mean that someone follows a person or does not leave them alone. However, 'Verfolgung' is more general: it can mean a pursuit, for example by the police or during an escape. 'Stalking' means repeated, unwanted harassment of a specific person. This often involves messages, watching someone, appearing outside their home, or threats. The words can be confused because stalking can be a kind of following or pursuing. When it is about persistent harassment against a person's will, 'Stalking' is more precise.
Im Gespräch erzählte meine Kollegin, dass das ständige Anrufen für sie Stalking ist.
During the conversation, my colleague said that the constant calling was stalking to her.
Nach dem Diebstahl begann die Verfolgung des Täters durch die Polizei.
After the theft, the police began pursuing the perpetrator.