German word

Vandalismus

Pronunciation

IPA/vandaˈlɪsmʊs/

Meaning

  • masculine nounvandalism

Example

Im Viertel steigt der Vandalismus an.

Vandalism is on the rise in the neighborhood.

Illustration for Vandalismus (vandalism)

More examples

Die Polizei ermittelt wegen Vandalismus am Bahnhof.

The police are investigating vandalism at the train station.

Core concept

A spray-painted wall beside a smashed bus shelter and broken street fixtures captures deliberate damage to shared property.

Common phrases

  • gegen Vandalismus vorgehen

    take action against vandalism

  • Anzeige wegen Vandalismus

    report of vandalism

  • Vandalismus an öffentlichen Anlagen

    vandalism at public facilities

Similar words

Sachbeschädigung: Damage to property owned by others or the public that may be legally punishable.
Schmiererei: Unauthorized graffiti or drawings placed on buildings, walls, and other surfaces.
Beschädigung: Physical harm that reduces an object's condition, form, or function.
Randale: A large, unruly disturbance involving group violence and destruction.

Definition in German

Vandalismus heißt vorsätzliche Sachbeschädigung an fremdem Eigentum, insbesondere an öffentlichen Einrichtungen durch Beschmieren, Zertrümmern oder anderweitiges Zerstören.

Word origin

German Vandalismus comes from French vandalisme, a term coined during the French Revolution from the name of the Vandals.

Usage tips

  • Vandalismus is masculine in German, so the standard form is der Vandalismus, although the noun usually remains singular when referring to the activity.

Related words

  • vandalisierenvandalizeverb
  • Vandalevandalnoun
  • vandalischvandalousadjective

Word lists with this word