der
Kidnapper
🕵️ Who or What is a *Kidnapper*?
*Der Kidnapper* (noun, masculine) refers to a person who commits a *Kidnapping* (kidnapping), meaning someone who unlawfully deprives another person of their freedom, often to extort ransom or enforce other demands.
It is a loanword from English (*kidnapper*).
⚠️ Important: The word has strong negative connotations and is used in the context of criminal offenses.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Male characters → always masculine.
Caution: Most professions also have their feminine forms (e.g. die Polizistin). Some words can also have two forms: der/die Deutsche, der/die Kranke.
-er → mostly masculine.
1. Caution: many exceptions. 2. almost all -euer nouns are neutral. 3. There are many -er words, we don't list them all.
Grammar Spotlight: *Der Kidnapper*
The noun '*Kidnapper*' is masculine and follows the n-declension pattern in the genitive, dative, and accusative singular (although the form without -n is also common), and in the plural.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Kidnapper |
| Genitive | des | Kidnappers / Kidnapper |
| Dative | dem | Kidnapper / Kidnappern |
| Accusative | den | Kidnapper / Kidnappern |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Kidnapper |
| Genitive | der | Kidnapper |
| Dative | den | Kidnappern |
| Accusative | die | Kidnapper |
Example Sentences
- Die Polizei fahndet nach dem Kidnapper des Kindes.
(The police are searching for the kidnapper of the child.) - Man konnte die Identität des Kidnappers nicht feststellen.
(They could not determine the identity of the kidnapper.) - Das Opfer konnte dem Kidnapper entkommen.
(The victim was able to escape from the kidnapper.) - Die Kidnapper forderten ein hohes Lösegeld.
(The kidnappers demanded a high ransom.)
Context and Usage: When to Use *Kidnapper*?
The term *der Kidnapper* is primarily used in the following contexts:
- Crime reporting: In news and newspaper articles about kidnapping cases (*Entführungsfälle*).
- Legal context: In court proceedings and police investigations (*polizeiliche Ermittlungen*).
- Fiction: In crime novels (*Kriminalromanen*), films, and series to describe the perpetrator of a kidnapping.
It is a direct equivalent of the English word and is used similarly. The German synonym *Entführer* is also very common and often interchangeable.
🚨 One should only use the word in the appropriate context, as it describes a serious crime (*schwere Straftat*).
Memory Aids for *der Kidnapper* 🧠
Article Mnemonic: Think of 'der Mann' (the man) who commits the crime. The perpetrator (*der Täter*) is masculine, so it's *der Kidnapper*.
Meaning Mnemonic: The word comes directly from English: 'Kid' + 'napper' (from 'to nap' - to snatch, steal). So, a *Kidnapper* 'naps' or snatches someone (originally often children).
Word Connections: Synonyms & Antonyms ↔️
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- *Der Entführer:* The most common and direct German synonym. (*Entführung* = kidnapping)
- *Der Menschenräuber:* A somewhat more archaic or literary term (literally 'people-robber').
- *Der Geiselnehmer:* Specifically refers to someone who takes hostages (*Geiseln*), which often, but not always, involves kidnapping. The focus here is on the act of taking hostages.
Potential for Confusion: Sometimes '*Kidnapper*' is mistakenly equated with '*Erpresser*' (extortionist). A *Kidnapper* can be an *Erpresser* (e.g., demanding ransom - *Lösegeld*), but not every *Erpresser* is a *Kidnapper*.
😂 A Little Joke on the Side
Frage: Was ist der Lieblingssnack eines Kidnappers?
Antwort: Nappo! (Klingt wie 'nap' - schnappen)
Question: What is a kidnapper's favorite snack?
Answer: Nappo! (A German candy bar, sounds like 'nap' - to snatch)
(Please note: This joke is intended harmlessly and does not aim to trivialize the serious nature of the word.)
*Kidnapper* in Verse 📜
Im Schatten lauert, kalt und still,
Der Kidnapper, mit bösem Will'.
Er plant die Tat, den schnellen Griff,
Ein Leben hängt am seidenen Kliff.
Doch Recht und Mut verfolgen ihn,
Sein dunkles Werk wird nicht gedieh'n.
In shadows lurks, so cold and still,
The kidnapper, with evil will.
He plans the deed, the rapid seize,
A life hangs on a silken breeze.
But justice, courage track him near,
His dark endeavor won't cohere.
Who Am I? A Little Riddle 🤔
Ich nehme, was mir nicht gehört,
Habe Freiheit oft zerstört.
Man fürchtet meinen Schatten sehr,
Mein Name klingt nach englischem Heer.
Ich handle meist im Dunkeln, schnell,
Die Polizei sucht mich ganz hell.
Wer bin ich?
I take what isn't mine to keep,
Have often made liberty weep.
My shadow causes much despair,
My name sounds like from English air.
I act mostly in darkness, fast,
The police search for me, unsurpassed.
Who am I?
(Answer: Der Kidnapper)
More About *der Kidnapper* 🤓
Word Composition & Origin
The word *Kidnapper* is directly borrowed from English. It is composed of:
- kid: English for child (*Kind*).
- nap: English (colloquial) for snatch, steal, abduct (*schnappen, stehlen, entführen*).
- -er: English suffix indicating a person who performs an action.
Originally, 'kidnapping' in 17th century England referred to the theft of children to be shipped to the American colonies as servants or laborers. Today, it refers to the abduction of people of any age.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Kidnapper?
The word 'Kidnapper' is a masculine noun, so it takes the article der. It refers to a person who commits a kidnapping (an *Entführer*).