der  Räuber

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʁɔʏbɐ/

🕵️ What exactly is 'der Räuber'?

Der Räuber (the robber/brigand) refers to a male person who commits a Raub (robbery), meaning they take something from someone using violence or the threat of violence. It's a word with strong negative connotations.

• Main Meaning: A person who steals, often using force or threats (e.g., Bankräuber - bank robber, Straßenräuber - highwayman/mugger).
• Figurative Meaning (less common): An animal that hunts and eats other animals (predator). However, the word "Raubtier" (predator) is usually preferred in this context.
• Children's Language/Fairy Tales: Often a character in stories or children's games (e.g., "Räuber und Gendarm" - Cops and Robbers).

⚠️ Attention: A Dieb (thief) steals secretly, without using violence, whereas a Räuber uses violence or the threat of it.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar in Detail: Der Räuber

The word "Räuber" is a masculine noun. It doesn't follow the n-declension but adds an -(s) in the genitive singular and no suffix in the plural (except for the dative plural -n).

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Räuber überfiel die Bank am hellichten Tag.
   (The robber robbed the bank in broad daylight.)
2. Die Polizei konnte die Beute des Räubers sicherstellen.
   (The police were able to secure the robber's loot.)
3. Das Opfer gab dem Räuber widerwillig seine Brieftasche.
   (The victim reluctantly gave the robber his wallet.)
4. Sie erkannten den Räuber auf dem Fahndungsfoto.
   (They recognized the robber from the wanted poster.)
5. Die Räuber teilten ihre Beute untereinander auf.
   (The robbers divided their loot among themselves.)

💡 How is 'der Räuber' used?

• Crime: Most commonly used to describe a person committing criminal acts like robbery. Example: "Der Juwelier wurde Opfer eines brutalen Räubers." (The jeweler fell victim to a brutal robber.)
• Fairy Tales & Stories: In narratives for children or adults, Räuber often appear as antagonists or adventure figures (e.g., Räuber Hotzenplotz, a famous German children's book character).
• Children's Games: The well-known tag game "Räuber und Gendarm" (Cops and Robbers).
• Figuratively (less common): Sometimes used metaphorically for someone who exploits others or takes things from them, even without direct violence. Example: "Dieser Wucherer ist ein echter Räuber!" (This loan shark is a real robber!)
• Biology (rare): Can refer to a predator, although "Raubtier" is the more precise and common term.

The term is clearly masculine. The female form is "die Räuberin".

🧠 Memory Aids for 'der Räuber'

For the article 'der': Think of a stereotypical robber – often depicted as a male figure. 'Der' is the masculine article, just like the typical image of a robber. He robs, so he is der Robber (Räuber).

For the meaning: The word Räuber sounds a bit like the English word "robber". Someone who robs (rauben in German) is a Räuber.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

🚨 Watch out for similar words:

• Jäger: Hunter (hunts animals, not usually people).
• Pirat: Pirate (a robber operating at sea).

😄 A little Joke

DE: Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Warum haben Sie denn ausgerechnet ein Lebensmittelgeschäft überfallen?"
Antwortet der Räuber: "Herr Richter, auf der Tür stand doch: 'Reich werden mit EDEKA'!"

EN: The judge asks the defendant: "Why did you specifically rob a grocery store?"
The robber answers: "Your Honor, the sign on the door said: 'Get rich with EDEKA'!" (EDEKA is a German supermarket chain).

📜 Poem about the Robber

DE: Im dunklen Wald, ganz leis und sacht,
schleicht der Räuber durch die Nacht.
Mit schwarzer Maske, schnellem Schritt,
nimmt er alles Wertvolle mit.
Doch Vorsicht, Freund, sei auf der Hut,
denn Unrecht tut selten gut!

EN: In the dark forest, soft and low,
the robber creeps through night's deep glow.
With a black mask, and footsteps fast,
he takes all valuables from the past.
But beware, friend, be on your guard,
for wrongdoing seldom rewards hard!

🤔 A Little Riddle

DE: Ich trage oft 'ne Maske, doch nicht zum Karneval.
Ich nehme, was nicht mein ist, mit Gewalt und ohne Wahl.
Vor mir zittern die Reichen, die Polizei mich jagt.
Wer bin ich, der im Dunkeln oft sein Unwesen wagt?

EN: I often wear a mask, but not for carnival fun.
I take what isn't mine, with force, my deeds are done.
The wealthy fear my presence, the police give chase.
Who am I, often lurking in a dark and hidden place?

Solution: der Räuber (the robber)

🧩 More Information

• Word Origin: The word "Räuber" derives from the verb "rauben" (to rob).
• Famous Robber Figures: Robin Hood (although often seen as a hero), Räuber Hotzenplotz (German children's book character), Jesse James (Wild West outlaw).
• Compounds: Bankräuber (bank robber), Straßenräuber (highwayman/mugger), Kunsträuber (art thief, implying force), Seeräuber (pirate).
• Adjective: räuberisch (predatory, robber-like, rapacious - e.g., eine räuberische Erpressung - extortion involving threats/force).