der  Dieb

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/diːp/

🕵️ What does "der Dieb" mean?

Der Dieb is a German masculine noun meaning 'thief'. It refers to a male person who steals someone else's property, taking something that doesn't belong to them. The focus is often on stealthy action (unlike a Räuber - robber, who uses or threatens violence).

• Meaning 1: Person who steals (usually secretly).

🚨 Important: The word is specifically masculine. The female form is die Diebin (the female thief).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "der Dieb"

The noun "Dieb" is masculine. Here are the declension tables:

Example Sentences:

1. Die Polizei konnte den Dieb auf frischer Tat ertappen. (The police could catch the thief red-handed. - Accusative Singular)
2. Das Diebesgut wurde bei dem Dieb gefunden. (The stolen goods were found with the thief. - Dative Singular)
3. Eine Bande von Dieben trieb in der Stadt ihr Unwesen. (A gang of thieves was up to no good in the city. - Dative Plural)
4. Die Verfolgung der Diebe war erfolgreich. (The pursuit of the thieves was successful. - Genitive Plural)

💡 How to use "Dieb"?

"Der Dieb" is used to describe someone who steals. The term can refer to various types of theft:

• Ladendieb: Shoplifter
• Taschendieb: Pickpocket
• Autodieb: Car thief
• Einbrecher: Often used synonymously, although an Einbrecher specifically breaks in to commit the theft (burglar).

Figuratively, "Dieb" can also describe someone who "steals" ideas, time, or attention, often used playfully or metaphorically.

Distinction: A Räuber (robber) uses violence or threats, while a Dieb (thief) usually acts secretly.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Dieb"

For the article: Think of typical male roles or figures, perhaps even negative ones in this context. He's a male thief, so it's der Mann, der Dieb.

For the meaning: Imagine someone taking something deep into their pocket stealthily. The sound "deep" is similar to Dieb.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Potential for Confusion:

Sometimes learners might confuse "Dieb" with "Diener" (servant) due to slight sound similarity, but their meanings are completely different.

😂 A Little Joke

DE: Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Warum haben Sie das Auto gestohlen?" Antwortet der Dieb: "Es stand direkt vor dem Friedhof, da dachte ich, der Besitzer braucht es nicht mehr!"

EN: The judge asks the defendant: "Why did you steal the car?" The thief replies: "It was parked right in front of the cemetery, so I thought the owner didn't need it anymore!"

📜 Poem about the Thief

DE:
Im Schatten schleicht der Dieb geschwind,
Nimmt, was er findet, leicht wie der Wind.
Sein Herz pocht schnell, die Hand ist kalt,
Ein Leben im Dunkeln, einsam und alt?
Doch eines Tages, vielleicht schon bald,
Führt ihn sein Weg aus dem Schattenwald.

EN:
In shadows creeps the thief so fast,
Takes what he finds, like a wind's blast.
His heart beats quick, his hand is cold,
A life in darkness, lonely and old?
But one day soon, perhaps it's planned,
His path will lead from shadowland.

❓ Riddle

DE:
Ich komme meist bei Nacht und leis,
Nehm' mit, was nicht mein eigen, wie du weißt.
Vor mir schließt man Türen und Tore,
Ich bin gefürchtet vielerorts.

Wer bin ich?

EN:
I usually come by night and quiet,
Take what's not mine, as you know by it.
Against me, doors and gates are locked tight,
I am feared in many places, day and night.

Who am I?

Solution: der Dieb (the thief)

➕ Other Information

Word Compounds (Wortzusammensetzungen): The word "Dieb" forms part of many compound nouns that specify the type of theft, e.g.:

• Der Ladendieb: Shoplifter
• Der Taschendieb: Pickpocket
• Der Autodieb: Car thief
• Der Meisterdieb: Master thief (often in stories)
• Das Diebesgut: Stolen goods / loot

Etymology: The word comes from the Old High German "diub" and is related to similar words in other Germanic languages (like English "thief").