01
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
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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
'die Szene' and 'der Tatort' can both mean a place where something dramatic has happened. But 'der Tatort' is more precise: it is the place of a criminal offense or crime. 'die Szene' can more generally be the location of an important or dramatic event and does not always have to do with a crime. The words can be confused especially in crime stories or news reports. If a crime is clearly meant, 'Tatort' is more precise. If only the place of an event is being described, 'Szene' can fit.
Tatort
Bei der Arbeit hat der Ermittler Fotos vom Tatort geprüft.
At work, the investigator reviewed photos of the crime scene.
Szene
Die Polizei beschreibt die Szene des Unfalls sehr genau.
The police describe the scene of the accident very precisely.
In real life
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