German word

Polizei

Pronunciation

IPA/poːliˈtsaɪ̯/

Meaning

  • feminine nounpolice

Example

Ich rufe die Polizei.

I'm calling the police.

Illustration for Polizei (police)

More examples

Die Polizei kontrolliert das Auto.

The police are checking the car.

Core concept

Uniformed public officers and their institution stand ready to protect public order and respond when people need help.

Common phrases

  • die Polizei rufen

    call the police

  • bei der Polizei eine Anzeige machen

    file a report with the police

  • die Polizei informieren

    inform the police

Similar words

Polizist: An individual officer who works for the police.
Polizeirevier: A police station serving a particular local area.
Feuerwehr: A public organization providing firefighting and emergency rescue.
Krankenwagen: A vehicle equipped to carry injured or acutely ill people to hospital.

Definition in German

Die Polizei ist die staatliche Einrichtung zur Aufrechterhaltung von Ordnung und zur Hilfeleistung bei Notfällen.

Word origin

Polizei entered German through French police from Latin politia, ultimately from Greek politeia, meaning civic administration.

Usage tips

  • Polizei is feminine, so standard usage has die Polizei and often a singular verb even when many officers are meant.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word