German word

Diebstahl

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈdiːpʃtaːl/

Meaning

  • masculine nountheft

Example

Der Laden meldete gestern einen Diebstahl.

The store reported a theft yesterday.

Illustration for Diebstahl (theft)

More examples

Im Urlaub schützt man Wertsachen vor Diebstahl.

While on vacation, people protect valuables from theft.

Core concept

An item crosses from its rightful owner's possession into someone else's hands without permission.

Common phrases

  • Anzeige wegen Diebstahls erstatten

    report a theft

  • Wertsachen vor Diebstahl schützen

    protect valuables from theft

  • Opfer eines Diebstahls werden

    become a victim of theft

Similar words

Raub: Taking property by using force or threatening to use it.
Einbruch: Illegal entry into a building for the purpose of stealing.
Taschendiebstahl: Stealing items unnoticed from pockets or bags, especially in crowded places.
Betrug: Gaining another person's property by deliberately deceiving them.

Definition in German

Das unberechtigte Wegnehmen einer fremden Sache mit der Absicht, sie sich zuzueignen.

Word origin

The noun developed from the Germanic compound diebstal, combining Dieb with an older word for stealing that is related to stehlen.

Usage tips

  • Diebstahl does not necessarily involve force or threats; German commonly uses Raub when robbery includes violence or its threat.

Other meanings

  • stealingnoun

Related words

  • Diebstahlsopfervictim of theftnoun
  • Diebstahlpräventiontheft preventionnoun

Word lists with this word