German word

Kommissar

Pronunciation

IPA/kɔmɪˈsaːɐ̯/

Meaning

  • masculine noundetective

Example

Der Kommissar leitet die Ermittlungen.

The detective is leading the investigation.

Illustration for Kommissar (detective)

More examples

Der Kommissar verhört den Zeugen.

The detective questions the witness.

Core concept

A police investigator moves between witnesses, evidence, and the team handling a crime.

Common phrases

  • Kriminalkommissar

    police detective

  • stellvertretender Kommissar

    deputy detective

Similar words

Polizist: A general police officer responsible for public safety, law enforcement, or traffic control.
Inspektor: A police officer with supervisory duties over personnel or operations.
Kriminalbeamter: A civil servant who investigates criminal cases as a police detective.
Detektiv: A private investigator hired to investigate cases or track people.

Definition in German

Ein Polizeibeamter, der Ermittlungen leitet und für die Klärung von Straftaten zuständig ist.

Word origin

The German noun comes through French commissaire from Latin commissarius, a derivative of committere meaning to entrust.

Usage tips

  • English commissioner often names a senior administrator, whereas German Kommissar commonly refers to a police investigator or rank.

Other meanings

  • investigatornoun
  • inspectornoun
  • commissionernoun

Related words

  • Kommissariatdetective divisionnoun
  • kommissarischinterimadjective
  • Kriminalkommissarpolice detectivenoun

Word lists with this word