German word

Einbrecher

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈaɪ̯nˌbʁɛçɐ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounburglar

Example

Letzte Nacht hat ein Einbrecher unsere Wohnung betreten.

Last night, a burglar entered our apartment.

Illustration for Einbrecher (burglar)

More examples

Die Nachbarn riefen die Polizei, als sie einen Einbrecher im Hof sahen.

The neighbors called the police when they saw a burglar in the courtyard.

Core concept

A stranger enters through a broken door and leaves with someone else's property.

Common phrases

  • einen Einbrecher überführen

    convict a burglar

  • gegen Einbrecher absichern

    secure against burglars

  • vor Einbrechern warnen

    warn of burglars

Similar words

Dieb: Someone who illegally takes another person's belongings.
Räuber: Someone who uses force or threats to take money or property.
Taschendieb: Someone who quietly steals valuables from a person's pocket or bag.
Ladendieb: Someone who steals merchandise from a shop by concealing it.

Definition in German

Person, die in ein Haus oder eine Wohnung einbricht, also gewaltsam hineinkommt, um Dinge zu stehlen.

Word origin

The noun combines einbrechen, 'to break in', with -er, a suffix that forms a noun for the person carrying out an action.

Usage tips

  • Unlike Dieb, Einbrecher specifically highlights unlawful entry into a building, while a thief can steal without breaking in.

Other meanings

  • intrudernoun

Related words

Word lists with this word