der  Gangster

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈɡaŋstɐ/

🕵️ What does 'Gangster' mean?

The German noun der Gangster (borrowed directly from the English gangster) refers to a person who is a member of a criminal gang, especially in the context of organized crime. The word is often associated with the image of criminals from the Prohibition era in the US or with Mafiosi.

It is a masculine noun and is exclusively used with the article 'der'.

⚠️ The word often carries negative connotations and describes a person operating outside the law.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Der Gangster

'Der Gangster' is a masculine noun. It follows the regular strong declension pattern for masculine nouns in German.

💬 Example Sentences with 'Gangster'

1. Der berüchtigte Gangster wurde endlich gefasst.
   (The notorious gangster was finally caught.)
2. Die Polizei ermittelte gegen den Anführer der Gangster.
   (The police investigated the leader of the gangsters.)
3. Filme über Gangster sind oft sehr beliebt.
   (Movies about gangsters are often very popular.)
4. Man erzählte sich Geschichten über das Versteck des Gangsters.
   (People told stories about the gangster's hideout.)

🤔 Everyday Usage

The word 'Gangster' is primarily used to describe members of criminal organizations. It is commonly found in:

• News and Reporting: In reports about organized crime.
• Films and Literature: As a character type in crime stories, thrillers, and dramas (e.g., Gangsterfilme - gangster movies).
• Colloquial Speech: Sometimes used slightly ironically or exaggeratedly for someone acting rebellious or 'cool', but this is less common and context-dependent.

Compared to words like Krimineller (criminal) or Verbrecher (felon/criminal), 'Gangster' often has a more specific connotation related to gang membership and organized structures.

💡 Mnemonics

For the article: Remember, a Gangster is usually a guy (masculine) → der Gangster.

For the meaning: It sounds just like the English word! Imagine a classic movie GANGSTER to remember what der Gangster means.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Note: Not every Krimineller is a Gangster. 'Gangster' often implies belonging to a group or organization.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum nehmen Gangster immer eine Leiter mit zum Überfall?
Damit sie auf die schiefe Bahn geraten können!

(Why do gangsters always take a ladder to a robbery?
Because they want to 'get onto the crooked path'! [Note: 'auf die schiefe Bahn geraten' is an idiom meaning 'to go astray' or 'turn to crime', but literally translates to 'get onto the slanted/crooked path'.])

📜 Poem about the Gangster

Im Schatten der Nacht, mit Hut und Gamaschen,
schleicht der Gangster durch Gassen, will Scheine erhaschen.
Ein flackerndes Licht, ein schneller Plan,
lebt gefährlich, gehört zum Clan.
Doch Gesetzeshüter sind ihm auf der Spur,
ein Leben im Dunkeln, selten nur pur.

(In the shadow of night, with hat and spats,
the gangster creeps through alleys, wants to grab cash.
A flickering light, a quick plan,
lives dangerously, belongs to the clan.
But lawmen are on his trail,
a life in darkness, rarely pure.)

❓ Riddle

Ich trage oft Hut und einen dunklen Anzug,
bin Teil einer Gruppe, selten allein auf dem Zug.
Mein Geschäft ist nicht legal, mein Ruf ist schlecht,
vor mir hat mancher Polizist Respekt.

Wer bin ich?

(I often wear a hat and a dark suit,
I'm part of a group, seldom alone on the move.
My business isn't legal, my reputation is bad,
many a policeman respects me [out of fear].

Who am I?)
Solution: Der Gangster

✨ Other Interesting Facts

Word Origin (Wortherkunft): The word 'Gangster' was adopted into German from American English (gangster) in the early 20th century. It derives from 'gang'.

Cultural Representation (Kulturelle Darstellung): Gangsters are a staple figure in popular culture, from classic films like "The Godfather" to modern series and video games. These portrayals often shape the public image of the gangster.