der Vandale
vandal
A person who deliberately and without reason destroys or damages public or private property.
EXAMPLE
Unbekannte Vandalen haben die Parkbänke mit Graffiti besprüht.
Unknown vandals sprayed the park benches with graffiti.
der Vandale
vandal
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Meanings
der Vandale
Vandal
A member of the East Germanic tribe of the Vandals, who played an important role in Late Antiquity, especially through the sack of Rome in 455 AD.
EXAMPLE
Der Historiker hielt einen Vortrag über das Reich der Vandalen in Nordafrika.
The historian gave a lecture about the kingdom of the Vandals in North Africa.
Usage tips
Origin of the word
The modern meaning 'destroyer' is derived from the historical people known as the Vandals. They sacked Rome in the year 455, which is why their name became a symbol of senseless destruction in Europe.
EXAMPLE
Die Geschichte der Vandalen ist komplexer als ihr Ruf als reine Zerstörer.
The history of the Vandals is more complex than their reputation as mere destroyers.
N-declension
'Der Vandale' (the vandal) is a noun of the N-declension. This means it gets the ending '-n' in all cases except the nominative singular. This is a common mistake.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei sucht nach dem Vandalen, der die Statue beschädigt hat.
The police are looking for the vandal who damaged the statue.
Context clue
The meaning is usually clear. If people are talking about 'Polizei' (police), 'Graffiti' (graffiti), 'Schaden' (damage), or 'Zerstörung' (destruction), the modern meaning is intended. In the context of 'Geschichte' (history), 'Spätantike' (Late Antiquity), 'Rom' (Rome), or 'Volksstamm' (tribe), the historical people are meant.
EXAMPLE
Die Vandalen haben in der Schule mehrere Fenster eingeschlagen.
The vandals smashed several windows at the school.
Word family
The act that a 'Vandale' (vandal) carries out is called 'Vandalismus' (vandalism). So if you are talking about the destruction itself, you use this related noun.
EXAMPLE
Vandalismus ist kein Spaß, sondern eine Straftat.
Vandalism is not a joke, but a criminal offense.
Compare with
Vandale vs Randalierer
rioter
A Randalierer disturbs public order through loud, aggressive behavior and may also damage property. In the case of a Vandale, the focus is on the deliberate damage or destruction of property.
Vandale
Der Vandale zerstörte auf dem Platz mutwillig eine Bank.
The vandal deliberately destroyed a bench in the square.
Randalierer
Der Randalierer schrie auf dem Platz herum und warf schließlich eine Bank um.
The rioter shouted and caused a disturbance in the square, eventually knocking over a bench.
In real life
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