das  Alibi

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈalibi/

📖 What Exactly is an Alibi?

The German word Alibi (neuter, article das) has two main meanings:

1. In the legal sense: The proof of having been at a different location, not at the crime scene, at the time of the crime. It serves to exonerate a suspect. Example: Sein wasserdichtes Alibi überzeugte die Polizei. (His watertight alibi convinced the police.)
2. In a figurative, colloquial sense: An excuse or pretext to avoid an obligation or accusation, often without direct reference to a crime. Example: Er benutzte die viele Arbeit als Alibi, um nicht zur Party zu kommen. (He used the heavy workload as an alibi for not coming to the party.) ⚠️ This meaning is less formal and often used slightly pejoratively.

The word originates from Latin (alibi = elsewhere).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Under the Microscope: Das Alibi

The noun „Alibi“ is neuter. It is used with the article „das“.

Declension of 'das Alibi'

📝 Example Sentences

• Der Angeklagte hatte ein lückenloses Alibi für die Tatnacht. (The defendant had a complete alibi for the night of the crime.)
• Sein Zeuge konnte ihm ein glaubwürdiges Alibi verschaffen. (His witness could provide him with a credible alibi.)
• Manchmal braucht man einfach ein gutes Alibi, um einer unangenehmen Situation zu entkommen. (Sometimes you just need a good alibi [excuse] to escape an unpleasant situation. - Colloquial)
• Die Polizei überprüfte die Alibis aller Verdächtigen. (The police checked the alibis of all suspects.)

💡 Usage in Context

Das Alibi is primarily used in the context of crime and law to denote absence from the scene of a crime.

• Legal Context: Here it is a central term. A „wasserdichtes Alibi“ (watertight alibi) is often crucial for an acquittal.
• Colloquial Context: Here, „Alibi“ is often used synonymously with „Ausrede“ (excuse) or „Vorwand“ (pretext) to evade responsibility or an unpleasant situation. Example: „Ich muss noch lernen“ war nur ein Alibi, um nicht mit ins Kino zu gehen. (“I still have to study” was just an alibi for not going to the cinema.) In this context, it can sound slightly negative or ironic.

Distinction from similar words:

• Ausrede: More general term for an (often flimsy) reason why something wasn't done. An Alibi is more specific (proof of absence or a specific pretext).
• Entschuldigung: Expresses regret and asks for understanding, whereas an Alibi/Ausrede is more of a justification or diversion.
• Vorwand: A fabricated reason to hide the true one. Similar to the colloquial meaning of Alibi.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic (das): Think of das evidence. The evidence proves you were elsewhere. Neutral concepts like evidence or location can link to the neuter article das.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone asking: "Ali, bi where you?" (sounds like Alibi). The answer is: "Elsewhere!" This connects the sound to the meaning of being somewhere else.

↔️ Opposites and Alternatives to Alibi

Similar but potentially misleading words:

• Indiz: (Circumstantial evidence, clue) Evidence that suggests possible guilt or presence but isn't direct proof.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Haben Sie ein Alibi?"
Antwortet der Angeklagte: "Ja, Herr Richter, aber ich habe es zu Hause vergessen!"

Translation:
The judge asks the defendant: "Do you have an alibi?"
The defendant replies: "Yes, Your Honor, but I forgot it at home!"

✍️ Poem About the Word

Ein guter Plan, zur rechten Zeit,
war ich woanders, weit und breit.
Die Polizei, sie fragt und forscht,
doch mein Alibi, das horcht
auf Zeugen, die ganz klar belegen:
Ich war nicht dort auf dunklen Wegen. Ob Kino, Kneipe, Freundeshaus –
Das Alibi holt mich da raus!

Translation:
A good plan, at the right time,
I was elsewhere, far and wide.
The police, they ask and search,
but my alibi, it listens
to witnesses who clearly prove:
I wasn't there on dark paths.
Whether cinema, pub, friend's house –
The alibi gets me out of this!

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin dein bester Freund, bist du verdächtig,
beweise ich, du warst woanders – ganz mächtig.
Im Gerichtssaal bin ich Gold wert,
manchmal auch nur eine Ausrede, unerhört.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I am your best friend if you are suspected,
I prove you were elsewhere – quite mighty.
In the courtroom, I'm worth gold,
sometimes just an excuse, unheard of.

What am I?

Answer: Das Alibi (The Alibi)

🌍 Origin and Other Info

Etymology: The word „Alibi“ comes directly from Latin. The Latin adverb alibī means „elsewhere“, „in another place“. It is composed of alius („other“) and ubi („where“).

Trivia: The term has firmly established itself in general language use from legal terminology, although often with the slightly modified meaning of an excuse.