German word

Detektiv

Pronunciation

IPA/deːtɛkˈtiːf/

Meaning

  • masculine noundetective

Example

Der Detektiv löst den Fall.

The detective solves the case.

Illustration for Detektiv (detective)

More examples

Die Firma engagierte einen Detektiv, um den Betrug zu untersuchen.

The company hired a detective to investigate the fraud.

Core concept

A private investigator follows traces discreetly and builds a case from small pieces of evidence.

Common phrases

  • als Detektiv arbeiten

    work as a detective

  • einen Detektiv engagieren

    hire a detective

  • berühmter Detektiv

    famous detective

Similar words

Privatdetektiv: A detective hired by individuals or companies for private investigations.
Ermittler: An official investigator who gathers evidence for the police or judicial authorities.
Kommissar: A police detective who leads investigations into serious crimes.
Detektei: A detective agency or office that handles investigations for clients.

Definition in German

Ein Detektiv ist jemand, der verdeckt recherchiert, Spuren sichert und aus Indizien Schlüsse zieht.

Word origin

German adopted "Detektiv" from English "detective", a word related ultimately to Latin "detegere", "to uncover".

Usage tips

  • "Privatdetektiv" specifies a private detective, while "Detektei" means a detective agency rather than a person.

Other meanings

  • private detectivenoun

Related words

  • Privatdetektivprivate detectivenoun
  • detektivischdetective-likeadjective
  • Detektivbürodetective officenoun

Word lists with this word