der  Bobby

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈbɔbi/

👮‍♂️ What exactly is a Bobby?

The word der Bobby in German primarily has two meanings, with one being significantly more common:

1. British Police Officer (colloquial): This is the most common meaning, often used slightly humorously or informally. It specifically refers to police officers in Great Britain, recognizable by their traditional uniform (especially the helmet). It's an Anglicism (*Anglizismus*).
2. Male First Name/Nickname: Less frequently, "Bobby" is used as a diminutive or nickname for first names like Robert. This usage is also adopted from English.

🚨 Attention: In German, the meaning "police officer" is much more prominent than its use purely as a first name/nickname, although both exist.

🧐 Grammar of 'der Bobby'

The noun "Bobby" is masculine and takes the article der. It is declined like most masculine nouns.

📝 Examples

• Der Bobby regelte den Verkehr an der Kreuzung. (The Bobby directed traffic at the intersection.)
• Die Touristen machten Fotos von den Bobbys vor dem Buckingham Palace. (The tourists took pictures of the Bobbys in front of Buckingham Palace.)
• Mein Onkel Robert wird von allen nur Bobby genannt. (My uncle Robert is just called Bobby by everyone.)

🗣️ How to use 'Bobby'?

The use of der Bobby is mostly colloquial (*umgangssprachlich*) and often limited to the context of Great Britain when referring to police officers.

• Police Context: Often used in reports, stories, or conversations about London or Great Britain. It might carry a slightly dated or stereotypical connotation but is generally understood. Compared to "Polizist" (neutral) or "Schutzmann" (older), "Bobby" is specifically British and more informal. "Bulle" is a distinctly more negative slang term.
• Nickname Context: Rather rare in German, mostly found in family or friend circles for people named Robert and heavily influenced by English.

It is an established Anglicism (*Anglizismus*), especially in the meaning of the police officer.

🧠 Mnemonic Devices

Remembering the Article: Imagine: Der British policeman is named Bobby. (Der Polizist -> der Bobby). The 'er' in Der sounds like the 'er' in officer.

Remembering the Meaning: Think of an English policeman whistling ('bo-bby-bo-bby') on his beat – that's the Bobby on the beat!

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words

• Bob: Short form of Robert, also a name for a hairstyle (*der Bob*). Not to be confused with the police officer.

😂 A Little Joke

Ein Tourist fragt einen Londoner Bobby: "Entschuldigen Sie, können Sie mir sagen, wie ich am schnellsten ins Krankenhaus komme?"
Der Bobby überlegt kurz und sagt: "Stellen Sie sich einfach mitten auf die Straße und schließen Sie die Augen!"

Translation:
A tourist asks a London Bobby: "Excuse me, can you tell me the quickest way to the hospital?"
The Bobby thinks for a moment and says: "Just stand in the middle of the street and close your eyes!"

📜 Poem about the Bobby

In London, groß und weit,
steht der Bobby bereit.
Mit Helm und ernstem Blick,
er sorgt für Recht und Glück.
Regelt den Verkehr geschwind,
hilft Tourist und auch dem Kind.
Ein Wahrzeichen, wohlbekannt,
in Englands schönem Land.

Translation:
In London, vast and wide,
stands the Bobby, ready inside.
With helmet and serious gaze,
he ensures justice and lucky days.
Directs the traffic fast,
helps tourist and child, unsurpassed.
A landmark, well-known to all,
in England's beautiful thrall.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich trage einen Helm, doch kämpfe nicht im Krieg.
Man sieht mich in London, das ist kein Betrug.
Ich sorge für Ordnung, bei Tag und bei Nacht.
Mein Name klingt freundlich, wer hätte das gedacht?

Wer bin ich?

Translation:
I wear a helmet, but don't fight in war.
You see me in London, that's no false lore.
I ensure order, by day and by night.
My name sounds friendly, who would have thought it right?

Who am I?

Answer: Der Bobby

💡 Other Interesting Facts

Origin of the Name: The nickname "Bobby" for British police officers derives from Sir Robert Peel, the British Home Secretary who founded the Metropolitan Police Force in London in 1829. His nickname was "Bob" or "Bobby".

Anglicism (*Anglizismus*): As mentioned, "der Bobby" is a clear example of an Anglicism that has found its way into the German language, particularly in the context of British culture and police.