der  Polizeieinsatz

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/poliˈt͡saɪˌʔaɪ̯nˌzats/

👮 What exactly is a Polizeieinsatz?

A Polizeieinsatz (article: der) describes a specific action or operation carried out by the police to fulfill a particular task. This can include maintaining public order, fighting crime, preventing danger, recording accidents, or conducting investigations.

It is a masculine noun. There are no other articles or meanings for this word.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Der Polizeieinsatz

The word "Polizeieinsatz" is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:

📝 Example Sentences

• Der Polizeieinsatz dauerte mehrere Stunden. (The police operation lasted several hours.)
• Wegen der Demonstration gab es einen großen Polizeieinsatz in der Innenstadt. (Due to the demonstration, there was a large police operation in the city center.)
• Der Polizeieinsatz nach dem Banküberfall führte zur Festnahme der Täter. (The police operation following the bank robbery led to the arrest of the perpetrators.)

💡 Everyday Usage

The term Polizeieinsatz is frequently used in news and reports when discussing police activities. It's a rather formal term but can also appear in everyday language.

• Context: Often used in connection with demonstrations (Demonstrationen), accidents (Unfälle), crimes (Verbrechen), searches (Durchsuchungen), or specific dangerous situations (Gefahrenlagen).
• Comparison: An Einsatz can generally be any type of operation (Feuerwehreinsatz - fire department operation, Rettungseinsatz - rescue operation). Polizeieinsatz specifies that the police are acting. A Polizeiaktion (police action) is similar, but Polizeieinsatz often sounds more planned and comprehensive.

🧠 Mnemonics & Memory Aids

Remembering the Article: Der Einsatz is masculine. Think of a male police officer (Polizist) who is der one leading der Einsatz.

Remembering the Meaning: Polizei (police) + Einsatz (operation, deployment) = The police are deployed for an operation.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words:

• Einsatz: More general term, not only for police (e.g., Feuerwehreinsatz - fire dept. operation, Wetteinsatz - bet/stake).
• Polizeikontrolle: A specific, often preventive measure, usually smaller than an Einsatz (e.g., traffic stop).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Waren Sie während des Polizeieinsatzes nüchtern?"
Antwortet der Angeklagte: "Nein, aber die Polizisten auch nicht! Die waren ja im Einsatz!"

Translation:
The judge asks the defendant: "Were you sober during the police operation?"
The defendant answers: "No, but neither were the police officers! They were 'im Einsatz' (on duty / in action)!" (A pun on 'Einsatz' meaning 'operation' or 'deployment' and 'ein Satz' sounding like 'one sentence', implying they weren't sober for even one sentence, or more simply, 'im Einsatz' means 'in action' / 'on duty').

📜 Poem about the Word

Blaulicht flackert in der Nacht,
ein Polizeieinsatz ist entfacht.
Sirenen heulen, laut und klar,
Ordnung bringen, das ist wahr.
Ob Demo, Unfall, schlimmer Streit,
die Polizei steht stets bereit.
Der Einsatz fordert Mut und Kraft,
bis wieder Ruhe ist geschafft.

Translation:
Blue lights flicker in the night,
a police operation has ignited.
Sirens wail, loud and clear,
Bringing order, that is true here.
Whether demo, accident, bad fight,
the police are always ready, day and night.
The operation demands courage and might,
until calm is restored and all is right.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich komme mit Blaulicht und Sirene oft,
wenn jemand auf Hilfe hofft.
Ich bin geplant, mal klein, mal groß,
bring Ordnung wieder ins Getos'.
Mal bei Gefahr, mal bei 'nem Fest,
ich geb' der Sicherheit den Rest.

Was bin ich? Lösung: der Polizeieinsatz

Translation:
I often come with blue lights and sirens,
when someone hopes for guidance.
I am planned, sometimes small, sometimes large,
bringing order back from the discharge.
Sometimes in danger, sometimes at a fest,
I give security the final test.

What am I?
Solution: der Polizeieinsatz (the police operation)

🌐 Other Information about Polizeieinsatz

Word Composition:

The word Polizeieinsatz is a compound noun (Kompositum), composed of:

• die Polizei: The police; the state authority for maintaining public safety and order.
• der Einsatz: Operation, deployment, action, commitment.

Together, they mean a specific action or operation conducted by the police.

Trivia: The duration and scope of a Polizeieinsatz can vary greatly – from a few minutes for a simple traffic stop (Verkehrskontrolle) to days or weeks for major investigations or special situations (besondere Lagen).