die  Erpressung

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɛʁˈpʁɛsʊŋ/

📜 What does "die Erpressung" mean?

Die Erpressung is a feminine noun and refers to the unlawful act of compelling someone to act, tolerate, or omit something through force or the threat of considerable harm, with the purpose of unjustly enriching oneself or a third party. In English, this translates closely to extortion or blackmail.

Essentially, it's about putting pressure on someone (often with a threat) to get something from them (usually money or a specific action).

There's only one article for this word: 'die'. 🚨 Don't confuse it with similar terms like Nötigung (coercion), although the lines can sometimes be blurry.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📚 Grammar of "Erpressung" in Detail

The noun "Erpressung" is feminine. Therefore, the article is always 'die'. It is mainly used in the singular, but the plural ('die Erpressungen') is possible when referring to multiple individual cases of extortion/blackmail.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

Example Sentences

1. Die Erpressung ist eine Straftat.
   (Extortion/Blackmail is a criminal offense.)
2. Er wurde Opfer einer üblen Erpressung.
   (He became the victim of nasty extortion/blackmail.)
3. Die Polizei ermittelt wegen versuchter Erpressung.
   (The police are investigating attempted extortion/blackmail.)
4. Die wiederholten Erpressungen machten ihm das Leben zur Hölle.
   (The repeated instances of extortion/blackmail made his life hell.)

🗣️ How is "Erpressung" used?

"Erpressung" is mainly used in legal and everyday contexts to describe a coercive situation where someone is forced into something through threats.

• Legal Context: In criminal proceedings, indictments, and judgments (referencing § 253 of the German Criminal Code, StGB).
• Everyday Language: Often used somewhat exaggeratedly when someone exerts pressure, e.g., emotionale Erpressung (emotional blackmail) ("If you don't do this, I'll never speak to you again!"). But be cautious: not every form of pressure constitutes legal Erpressung.
• Distinction: While Nötigung (coercion) is forcing any kind of behavior, Erpressung specifically aims at enrichment. Raub (robbery) involves violence against a person to take an object.

🧠 Mnemonics for Erpressung

For the article 'die': Nouns ending in "-ung" are almost always feminine in German. Think of: die Zeitung (the newspaper), die Meinung (the opinion), die Wohnung (the apartment)... and therefore also die Erpressung. The ending -ung is like a feminine signal!

For the meaning: Think of the German verb "pressen" (to press). In an Erpressung, someone is being pressured or squeezed to give something up or do something. You're essentially 'pressing' something out of someone.

↔️ Antonyms and Synonyms

⚠️ Similar but Different Terms

• Entführung: Kidnapping, abduction.
• Bedrohung: Threat (can be part of Erpressung, but is also a separate offense).
• Raub: Robbery (taking property using force or threat of imminent danger to life or limb).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Geben Sie zu, Ihren Nachbarn erpresst zu haben?"
Antwortet der Angeklagte: "Nein, Herr Richter, ich habe ihm nur ein Angebot gemacht, das er nicht ablehnen konnte... weil ich ihm sonst die Reifen zerstochen hätte."

Translation: The judge asks the defendant: "Do you admit to having extorted/blackmailed your neighbor?"
The defendant answers: "No, your Honor, I just made him an offer he couldn't refuse... because otherwise I would have punctured his tires."

📜 A Poem about Erpressung

Mit finstrer Miene, kaltem Blick,
fordert er Geld, Stück für Stück.
Die Drohung schwebt, ein dunkler Bann,
die Erpressung fängt nun an.
Ein Opfer zittert, voller Pein,
soll es dem Zwang ergeben sein?
Doch Recht und Mut steh'n ihm zur Seit',
gegen die Ungerechtigkeit.

Translation:
With a dark face, a cold gaze,
he demands money, piece by piece.
The threat looms, a dark spell,
the extortion/blackmail now begins.
A victim trembles, full of pain,
should they surrender to the constraint?
But justice and courage stand by their side,
against the injustice.

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich nehme ohne zu fragen,
durch Drohung hörst du mich klagen.
Ich will dein Geld, dein Gut, dein Tun,
lass dich selten nur in Ruh'n.
Vor Gericht bin ich bekannt,
wie werd' ich genannt?

Translation:
I take without asking,
through threats, you hear me complaining (making demands).
I want your money, your goods, your actions,
I rarely leave you in peace.
In court, I am well-known,
what am I called?

Answer: die Erpressung

💡 Other Information

Word Composition:

• er-: A prefix often indicating the start or success of an action (as in erreichen - to reach/achieve).
• pressen: The verb 'to press', 'to force', 'to squeeze'.
• -ung: A suffix that turns verbs into nouns, usually creating feminine nouns.

Legal Context:

In Germany, Erpressung is defined in the Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch - StGB) under Section 253. Penalties range from fines to imprisonment.