das  Verhör

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/fɛɐ̯ˈhøːɐ̯/

🕵️ What does "das Verhör" mean?

Das Verhör (noun, neuter) refers to a formal questioning or interrogation, usually conducted by authorities such as the Polizei (police), Staatsanwaltschaft (public prosecutor's office), or Gerichte (courts). The goal is to obtain information about a specific matter, particularly a crime (Straftat). It often aims at finding the truth or obtaining a confession (Geständnis).

It differs from an informal questioning (informelle Befragung) or a simple conversation (Gespräch) due to its official nature and legal framework.

🚨 Caution: The term can carry a negative connotation, suggesting pressure or coercion, although this might not always be the case.

🧐 Grammar of "das Verhör" in Detail

"Verhör" is a noun of neuter gender. The article is "das".

📝 Example Sentences

• Das Verhör des Verdächtigen dauerte mehrere Stunden. (The interrogation of the suspect lasted several hours.)
• Die Polizei führte intensive Verhöre durch. (The police conducted intensive interrogations.)
• Während des Verhörs blieb der Angeklagte ruhig. (During the interrogation, the defendant remained calm.)
• Man bereitete sich auf das bevorstehende Verhör vor. (They prepared for the upcoming interrogation.)

🗣️ How is "das Verhör" used?

The term "das Verhör" is mainly used in legal, police, or intelligence contexts.

• Typical Contexts: Criminal investigations (Ermittlungsverfahren), court proceedings (Gerichtsverhandlungen), counter-intelligence.
• Distinction from other words:
  • Die Befragung: Often more general and less formal than a Verhör. Can also include questioning witnesses (Zeugenbefragung) which doesn't necessarily imply the pressure of an interrogation.
  • Das Interview: Usually in a journalistic or professional context, serves to gather information or introduce a person, without the suspicion of a crime.
  • Die Vernehmung: Very similar to Verhör, often used synonymously, refers to the formal questioning by an official (judge, police officer, prosecutor).
• Connotation: Can often be perceived as intense, unpleasant, or stressful. Movies and literature contribute to this image (e.g., Kreuzverhör - cross-examination).

🧠 Mnemonics for Memorization

Article "das": Think of "das protocol" (das Protokoll). An interrogation (Verhör) is often recorded in a protocol. Both are neuter nouns: das Protokoll, das Verhör.

Meaning "interrogation": The word contains "hör" (from hören - to hear). During a Verhör, you have to listen (zuhören) carefully to what is being said (or not said). You "hear" the suspect out. It's a formal 'hearing'.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but misleading words:

• Das Gehör: The sense of hearing.
• Der Verhöhrer: (dated or uncommon) The person conducting the interrogation (interrogator, nowadays more like: Ermittler, Vernehmungsbeamter).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten im Verhör: "Haben Sie zum Tatzeitpunkt etwas getrunken?"
Antwortet der Angeklagte: "Meinen Sie jetzt vor oder nach dem Einbruch?"

Translation:
The judge asks the defendant during the interrogation: "Did you drink anything at the time of the crime?"
The defendant replies: "Do you mean before or after the burglary?"

✍️ Poem about the Word

Im kühlen Raum, das Licht so grell,
Beginnt das Fragen-Karussell.
Das Verhör nimmt seinen Lauf,
Man hofft auf Wahrheit, nimmt Druck in Kauf.
Jedes Wort wird abgewogen,
Ist die Geschichte wahr, gelogen?
Stunde um Stunde zieht dahin,
Im Zentrum steht der Tatbeginn.

Translation:
In the cool room, the light so bright,
Begins the questioning carousel's flight.
The interrogation takes its course,
Hoping for truth, accepting pressure's force.
Every word is weighed with care,
Is the story true, or just hot air?
Hour upon hour passes by,
Focusing on when the deed was nigh.

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich bin formell und frag dich aus,
Bring oft die Wahrheit ans Licht heraus.
Die Polizei führt mich oft durch,
Mal sanft, mal mit mehr Nachdruck.
Mal sitz ich im Protokoll ganz klar,
Was bin ich? Na, sag schon, wunderbar!

Translation:
I am formal and I question you,
Often bringing the truth into view.
The police frequently conduct me,
Sometimes gently, sometimes forcefully.
Sometimes I sit clearly in the report's text,
What am I? Go on, tell me what's next!

Solution: Das Verhör (The interrogation)

💡 More about "das Verhör"

Word Composition

The word "Verhör" is composed of:

• The prefix "ver-": This can have various meanings; here, perhaps in the sense of 'doing something intensely' or possibly 'misleading' (as in sich verhören - to mishear). However, in the context of Verhör, it rather suggests a targeted, intensive action.
• The stem word "hören": Referring to hearing the person being questioned.

Related Terms

• verhören (verb): To interrogate someone.
• sich verhören (verb): To mishear or misunderstand something. ⚠️ Caution, different meaning!
• der Vernehmungsbeamte / die Vernehmungsbeamtin: The official conducting the interrogation/questioning.