das  Bundeskriminalamt

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈbʊndəskʁɪmɪnalˌʔamt/

🏛️ What exactly is the Bundeskriminalamt?

The Bundeskriminalamt (often abbreviated as BKA) is the central criminal police agency of the Federal Republic of Germany, headquartered in Wiesbaden. It reports to the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community.

As a central agency, the BKA collects and analyzes information, coordinates crime fighting at the national and international level, and conducts its own investigations in specific areas of serious crime (e.g., terrorism, international drug trafficking, cybercrime).

It can be considered the German equivalent of the FBI in the USA, although with different responsibilities and powers.

The article is always das, because the core noun "Amt" (office) is neuter (das Amt).

🧐 Grammar Focus: das Bundeskriminalamt

The word "Bundeskriminalamt" is a noun of neuter gender. Therefore, the article is always das.

It is generally used only in the singular as it refers to a specific agency. The plural ("die Bundeskriminalämter") is grammatically possible but very uncommon and would theoretically refer to multiple such offices (which don't exist).

Declension

📝 Example Sentences

• Das Bundeskriminalamt hat seinen Hauptsitz in Wiesbaden.
  (The Bundeskriminalamt has its headquarters in Wiesbaden.)
• Die Ermittlungen wurden vom Bundeskriminalamt übernommen.
  (The investigations were taken over by the Bundeskriminalamt.)
• Der Präsident des Bundeskriminalamtes gab eine Pressekonferenz.
  (The President of the Bundeskriminalamt gave a press conference.)
• Man wandte sich hilfesuchend an das Bundeskriminalamt.
  (They turned to the Bundeskriminalamt seeking help.)

🗣️ Using 'Bundeskriminalamt'

• Official Designation: The term is mainly used in official, administrative, legal, and media contexts when referring to the specific German federal agency.
• Abbreviation: In everyday language, especially in news and professional circles, the abbreviation BKA is almost always used. Example: "Das BKA ermittelt in dem Fall." (The BKA is investigating the case.)
• No General Meaning: It exclusively designates this one German authority. It is not a generic term for any type of criminal police.
• Context: Typically, the word is found in news about organized crime, counter-terrorism, international police cooperation, or politically motivated crime.

🧠 Mnemonics for the BKA

Article Mnemonic (das): Think of the last part: "Amt" (office). Offices are often neutral and objective things, just like the neuter article das. Remember das Amt, so it's das Bundeskriminalamt.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine an Amt (office) that bundles (from Bund, federation) all criminal threads across Germany – that's the job of the Bundeskriminalamt.

🔄 Related Terms: Synonyms & Antonyms

😄 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der BKA-Chef seinen neuen Mitarbeiter: "Haben Sie einen Sinn für Humor?" Antwortet der Neue: "Ja, Chef, warum?" "Gut, dann fangen Sie bitte um 7 Uhr an."

English Translation: The BKA boss asks his new employee: "Do you have a sense of humor?" The newbie replies: "Yes, boss, why?" "Good, then please start at 7 AM."

📜 BKA in Verse

German:
Das Amt, im Bund geeint,
Das gegen schweres Unrecht scheint.
Das Bundeskriminalamt, wachsam, klar,
Nimmt Täter ins Visier, Jahr für Jahr.
Von Wiesbaden aus, mit Plan und List,
Damit Deutschland sicherer ist.

English Translation:
The office, united in the federation,
That shines against serious injustice.
The Bundeskriminalamt, watchful, clear,
Takes aim at perpetrators, year after year.
From Wiesbaden, with plan and cunning,
So that Germany is safer becoming.

❓ Who am I? A BKA Riddle

German:
Ich bin ein Amt, doch sitz' nicht nur am Schreibtisch hier.
Im ganzen Bund verfolg' ich manch schweres Getier.
Terror und Drogen, Cyber-Gefahr,
Ich koordiniere, ermittle, bin für Deutschland da.
Mein Kürzel ist bekannt, drei Buchstaben bloß,
Mein Artikel ist sächlich, rate mal los!

English Translation:
I am an office, but don't just sit at a desk here.
Throughout the federation, I pursue many a serious beast [figure of speech for criminals/crimes].
Terror and drugs, cyber threats near,
I coordinate, investigate, I am here for Germany dear.
My abbreviation is known, just three letters plain,
My article is neuter, guess my name!

Solution: Das Bundeskriminalamt (BKA)

💡 Interesting Facts about the Bundeskriminalamt

Word Composition

The word is a compound noun, made up of three parts:

• Bund: Refers to the federal level of Germany (as opposed to the state level, Land).
• Kriminal: Refers to crime, criminal activity.
• Amt: Means office or agency.

Together: The "Criminal Office" at the "Federal" level.

Trivia

• The BKA was founded in 1951.
• Besides its headquarters in Wiesbaden, the BKA also has locations in Meckenheim (near Bonn) and Berlin.
• It cooperates closely with international police organizations like Europol and Interpol.