der Tatort
crime scene
The place where a criminal offense or crime has taken place.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei hat den Tatort weiträumig abgesperrt.
The police cordoned off a large area around the crime scene.
der Tatort
crime scene
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Meanings
der Tatort
Tatort
The name of a very well-known and long-running German crime TV series broadcast on ARD.
EXAMPLE
Sollen wir heute Abend den neuen Tatort aus Münster schauen?
Shall we watch the new Tatort from Münster tonight?
Usage tips
Compound word
The word 'Tatort' is composed of 'die Tat' (an act, often a crime) and 'der Ort' (a place). So it literally means 'the place of the act'.
EXAMPLE
Die Spurensicherung untersucht den Tatort.
The forensic team is examining the crime scene.
Context clue
The context reveals whether the crime series or a real crime scene is meant. Verbs like 'schauen' (to watch), 'sehen' (to see/watch), or 'laufen' (to be on/air) point to the TV show. Words like 'Polizei' (police), 'absperren' (to cordon off), or 'Spuren' (traces/evidence) point to a real crime.
EXAMPLE
Sonntags um 20:15 Uhr läuft der Tatort im Fernsehen.
Tatort is on television on Sundays at 8:15 p.m.
Typical collocations
In connection with a crime, 'Tatort' (crime scene) is often combined with certain verbs: the police secure the crime scene, examine it, or drive to the crime scene.
EXAMPLE
Die Kommissarin war als Erste am Tatort.
The detective was the first at the crime scene.
Cultural context
The TV series 'Tatort' is a cultural institution in the German-speaking world. For many people, it is a fixed ritual to watch the new episode on Sunday evening.
EXAMPLE
Hast du den neuen Tatort am Sonntag gesehen?
Did you see the new Tatort on Sunday?
Compare with
Tatort vs Szene
scene
Szene and Tatort can both be associated with a crime. Tatort refers specifically to the place where the offense occurred, while Szene can also include the events or situation taking place there. Use Tatort for a precise location and Szene for the broader depiction.
Tatort
Die Polizei sperrte das verlassene Haus als Tatort ab, weil dort die Straftat passiert war.
The police cordoned off the abandoned house as a crime scene because the offense had taken place there.
Szene
Die Szene vor dem verlassenen Haus zeigte, dass dort kurz zuvor ein heftiger Streit stattgefunden hatte.
The scene outside the abandoned house showed that a heated argument had taken place there shortly before.
In real life
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