wanted poster / profile
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wanted poster
A public notice, usually issued by the police, that describes a wanted person in order to ask the public for help in the search.
Die Polizei veröffentlichte einen Steckbrief des flüchtigen Bankräubers.
The police published a wanted poster for the fugitive bank robber.
'Steckbrief' comes from 'stecken' (to stick / pin) and 'Brief' (letter). Historically, this was a letter or note that was publicly 'angesteckt' (pinned up) or posted in order to describe a person.
Früher wurden Steckbriefe an öffentlichen Plätzen aufgehängt.
In the past, wanted posters were hung up in public places.
You can recognize the meaning from the context: if it is about the police, crime, or a manhunt, it means a wanted poster. If it is about school, hobbies, or a personal introduction, it means a short profile.
Die Polizei sucht den Verdächtigen mit einem Steckbrief.
The police are looking for the suspect with a wanted poster.
In a police context, a 'Steckbrief' (wanted poster) is often 'veröffentlicht' (published) or 'herausgegeben' (issued). You can also search for a person 'per Steckbrief' (by means of a wanted poster).
Die Ermittler haben einen Steckbrief des Einbrechers veröffentlicht.
The investigators published a wanted poster for the burglar.
When it is about a personal description, a 'Steckbrief' (profile) is usually 'erstellt' (created), 'geschrieben' (written), or 'ausgefüllt' (filled out). This meaning is very common in everyday life.
Die Kinder mussten für die Hausaufgabe einen Steckbrief über einen Elefanten erstellen.
The children had to create a profile of an elephant for their homework.
description
'Beschreibung' and 'Steckbrief' can both give information about a person, an animal, or a thing. 'Beschreibung' is the general word and can be phrased freely as a text or spoken description. A 'Steckbrief' is usually short, clear, and often in bullet points. It gives only the most important data and features, for example name, age, appearance, or special characteristics. 'Beschreibung' fits when you describe something in more detail. 'Steckbrief' fits when the information should be summarized quickly and in an organized way.
Nach dem Unterricht schreibe ich einen Steckbrief über mein Lieblingstier.
After class, I write a profile of my favorite animal.
Die Beschreibung des verlorenen Rucksacks steht auf dem Zettel im Büro.
The description of the lost backpack is on the note in the office.