der  Steckbrief

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃtɛkˌbʁiːf/

📜 What exactly is a Steckbrief?

The German word Steckbrief (masculine, article der) is versatile with two main meanings:

1. Wanted Poster/Description: Originally and often used in a police context, a Steckbrief describes a wanted person (or less commonly, a wanted animal/object) with key characteristics (appearance, name, age, alleged crime). These are often publicly displayed or distributed to gather information from the public. Synonyms include Fahndungsplakat or Personenbeschreibung.
2. Profile/Character Sketch: In a figurative sense, a Steckbrief refers to a short, concise description or characterization of a person, a character (e.g., in a book), a project, or even a product. It summarizes the most important features or data. You often find these in social media, on 'About Us' website pages, or in project introductions.

⚠️ It's important to consider the context to understand the correct meaning. The original meaning is strongly linked to criminology.

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Steckbrief

The word "Steckbrief" is a masculine noun. It follows the strong declension pattern.

📝 Example Sentences

• Die Polizei veröffentlichte einen Steckbrief des Verdächtigen. (The police published a wanted poster of the suspect. - Accusative Singular, Meaning 1)
• Auf seiner Webseite findet man einen kurzen Steckbrief des Autors. (On his website, you can find a short profile of the author. - Accusative Singular, Meaning 2)
• Die Merkmale auf dem Steckbrief waren sehr detailliert. (The characteristics on the wanted poster were very detailed. - Dative Singular, Meaning 1)
• Viele Online-Profile ähneln modernen Steckbriefen. (Many online profiles resemble modern profiles/Steckbriefe. - Dative Plural, Meaning 2)

💡 How to Use Steckbrief

• Context 1 (Wanted Poster): Primarily used by authorities (police, judiciary). You see Steckbriefe in the news, at train stations, or online during manhunts. The tone is formal and factual.
• Context 2 (Profile): Very common in everyday life, education, work, and online. Schools have students create Steckbriefe of book characters. Companies use Steckbriefe for employee profiles. Online dating platforms are based on Steckbriefe. Here, the tone is often more informal and creative.

Comparison: While a 'Fahndungsplakat' almost exclusively refers to the police meaning, 'Profil' (profile) is a broader term that can also include data analysis or technical settings. 'Steckbrief' falls in between, but is often perceived as friendlier or less technical than 'Profil' when referring to people.

🧠 Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Imagine a detective (who is male: DER Detektiv) needing a brief (Brief) description that he can stick (stecken) to the wall. DER detective needs den Steckbrief.

Meaning Mnemonic: You stick the most important info about someone onto a short brief (document) = Steckbrief (whether they are wanted or just being introduced).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words (Potential Confusion):

• Steckdose: Completely unrelated (power outlet).
• Briefsteckfach: A slot for inserting letters.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Wer kann mir einen Steckbrief von Napoleon erstellen?"
Meldet sich Fritzchen: "War klein, trug gerne Hut und hatte immer eine Hand in der Jacke. Gesucht wegen Größenwahn!"

Translation:
The teacher asks: "Who can create a Steckbrief (profile/wanted poster) of Napoleon for me?"
Little Fritz raises his hand: "He was short, liked wearing a hat, and always had one hand in his jacket. Wanted for megalomania!"

✒️ Poem about the Steckbrief

Ein Zettel, an die Wand gesteckt,
hat manchen Schurken aufgeschreckt.
Mit Namen, Bild und Haar so kraus,
so sieht ein alter Steckbrief aus.

Doch heut' im Netz, ganz flott und neu,
zeigt er von dir: Wer bist denn du?
Dein Hobby, Job, dein Lieblingslied,
ein Steckbrief, der dich kurz beschriebt.

Translation:
A note, stuck to the wall,
has startled many a scoundrel.
With name, picture, and hair so curly,
that's what an old wanted poster looks like.

But today online, quite quick and new,
it shows about you: Who are you?
Your hobby, job, your favorite song,
a profile that briefly describes you along.

❓ Riddle

Ich hänge an der Wand, bin aus Papier,
beschreibe einen Menschen oder ein Tier.
Manchmal sucht die Polizei mich sehr,
manchmal stell' ich mich nur vor, bitte sehr!

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I hang on the wall, I'm made of paper,
I describe a person or a creature.
Sometimes the police search for me keenly,
Sometimes I just introduce myself, quite serenely!

What am I?

Lösung/Solution: Der Steckbrief

🧩 Further Information

Word Composition:

The word "Steckbrief" is composed of:

• stecken: Meaning 'to stick', 'to attach' (originally, such documents were posted/stuck in public places).
• Brief: Meaning 'letter', 'document', 'written note'.

Historical Context: Steckbriefe (wanted posters) have existed for centuries as a means of searching for criminals or runaway serfs. The term has persisted and has been transferred to modern forms of short profiles.