der  Raubüberfall

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʁaʊpˌʔyːbɐˌfal/

🚨 What exactly is a Raubüberfall?

A Raubüberfall (masculine, article 'der') refers to a criminal offense where someone takes another person's movable property using force or the threat of imminent danger to life or limb. It's a form of Raub (robbery) that often happens suddenly and assault-like (überfallartig).

Essentially, it's a theft combined with violence or the threat of violence to overcome the victim's resistance.

• Examples: An armed Bankraubüberfall (bank robbery), violently snatching a handbag on the street.

⚠️ Don't confuse it with simple Diebstahl (theft), where no violence or threat is used.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Der Raubüberfall

The word 'Raubüberfall' is a masculine noun. Its declension is as follows:

Example Sentences

1. Die Polizei untersucht den jüngsten Raubüberfall auf den Juwelier.
   (The police are investigating the latest robbery at the jeweler's.)
2. Wegen des Raubüberfalls musste er ins Krankenhaus.
   (Because of the robbery, he had to go to the hospital.)
3. Dem Opfer des Raubüberfalls wurde psychologische Hilfe angeboten.
   (The victim of the robbery was offered psychological help.)
4. Die Zeugen beschrieben den Täter des Raubüberfalls genau.
   (The witnesses described the perpetrator of the robbery accurately.)
5. In dieser Gegend gab es leider mehrere Raubüberfälle.
   (Unfortunately, there have been several robberies in this area.)

🗣️ How to Use Raubüberfall?

The term 'Raubüberfall' is specifically used for criminal acts involving violence or the threat thereof to steal property. It's mainly found in these contexts:

• News and Police Reports: Very common in reports about crime (e.g., Bankraubüberfall - bank robbery, Raubüberfall auf Supermarkt - robbery at a supermarket).
• Legal Language: Used in criminal law to denote the specific offense.
• Everyday Language: When talking about such crimes, often associated with shock or danger.

Distinction:

• Diebstahl (der): Theft without violence or threat (e.g., shoplifting).
• Einbruch (der): Breaking into a protected space to steal (may or may not involve robbery).
• Überfall (der): Can also mean a Raubüberfall, but is more general and can refer to other sudden attacks. 'Raubüberfall' is more specific about taking property with the threat of violence.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Imagine a daring male robber - he's der Räuber committing der Raubüberfall. The 'er' ending often signals 'der', and robbery feels like a forceful, masculine action (though this is just a memory aid!).

Meaning Mnemonic: Think 'Raub' sounds like 'rob' and 'überfall' sounds like 'over-fall' or 'attack'. So, a Raubüberfall is when someone 'robs' you by 'falling over' you or attacking you suddenly.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Similar but Different Words:

• Der Diebstahl: Theft (taking property without violence/threat).
• Die Erpressung: Blackmail/Extortion (coercing someone to give something up by threatening future harm, not necessarily immediate physical danger).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Warum haben Sie bei dem Raubüberfall nur das Kleingeld mitgenommen?"

Antwortet der Angeklagte: "Naja, auf dem Schild stand 'Münz-Waschsalon'!"

Translation:

The judge asks the defendant: "Why did you only take the small change during the robbery?"

The defendant replies: "Well, the sign said 'Coin Laundry'!"

📜 A Poem About the Word

Im Schatten lauert, kalt und schwer,
die Absicht finster, ungerecht und leer.
Ein Schrei, ein Griff, die Tasche fort,
der Raubüberfall an diesem Ort.
Gewalt und Angst, ein jäher Schreck,
nimmt Hab und Gut und Sicherheit weg.

Translation:

In shadows lurking, cold and grave,
Intentions dark, unjust, nothing to save.
A scream, a grab, the bag is gone,
The robbery at this place is drawn.
Violence and fear, a sudden fright,
Takes goods and safety into night.

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich komme schnell und unerwartet,
mit Gewalt oder Drohung gestartet.
Dein Eigentum ist mein Begehr,
das Gesetz findet das gar nicht fair.

Was bin ich?

Lösung / Solution: Der Raubüberfall

Translation:

I come quickly and unexpectedly,
Started with violence or threats directedly.
Your property is my desire,
The law finds this unfair, sets its ire.

What am I?

Solution: The robbery/holdup (Der Raubüberfall)

💡 More to Know

Word Composition:

The word 'Raubüberfall' is a compound noun, composed of:

• Der Raub: Robbery (the violent taking of property).
• Der Überfall: An attack, assault, or raid (sudden and unexpected).

The combination emphasizes the sudden and violent nature of the act.

Legal Context:

In Germany, Raub (and thus Raubüberfall) is defined in the Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch - StGB) under § 249. It is classified as a 'Verbrechen' (felony), carrying a minimum prison sentence of one year. Aggravated robbery (e.g., involving weapons) is punished even more severely.