die
Hausdurchsuchung
🔍 What Exactly is a Hausdurchsuchung?
The German word Hausdurchsuchung refers to an official search of a person's private residence or business premises, usually conducted by police or public prosecutors. The primary goal is typically to find evidence (Beweismittel) related to a crime, apprehend a person, or secure assets.
This noun is always feminine: die Hausdurchsuchung.
It represents a significant intrusion into the fundamental right to the inviolability of the home (Grundrecht auf Unverletzlichkeit der Wohnung, Article 13 of the German Basic Law) and is therefore only permitted under strict conditions, usually requiring a judicial warrant (richterlicher Beschluss). 🚨
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ung → always feminine.
There are many -ung words, we won't list them all. There are only a few exceptions.
📚 Grammar Check: Die Hausdurchsuchung in Detail
The noun "Hausdurchsuchung" is feminine. Here are the declension tables:
Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Hausdurchsuchung |
| Genitive | der | Hausdurchsuchung |
| Dative | der | Hausdurchsuchung |
| Accusative | die | Hausdurchsuchung |
Plural
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Hausdurchsuchungen |
| Genitive | der | Hausdurchsuchungen |
| Dative | den | Hausdurchsuchungen |
| Accusative | die | Hausdurchsuchungen |
Example Sentences
- Die Polizei führte am frühen Morgen eine Hausdurchsuchung durch.
(The police conducted a house search early in the morning.) - Der Anwalt prüfte die Rechtmäßigkeit der Hausdurchsuchung.
(The lawyer checked the legality of the house search.) - Bei der Hausdurchsuchung wurden Beweismittel sichergestellt.
(Evidence was seized during the house search.) - Die Staatsanwaltschaft ordnete mehrere Hausdurchsuchungen an.
(The public prosecutor's office ordered several house searches.)
🚦 When and How is "Hausdurchsuchung" Used?
The term Hausdurchsuchung is used almost exclusively in legal and official contexts. It describes a specific investigative measure.
- Context: Criminal proceedings (Strafverfahren), prevention of danger (Gefahrenabwehr).
- Typical Verbs: anordnen (to order), durchführen (to conduct), beantragen (to apply for), stattfinden (to take place).
- Distinction: A simple inspection of an apartment (Wohnungsbesichtigung) is not a Hausdurchsuchung. The term implies an official act based on legal grounds, often against the will of the person concerned.
- Formality: It's a formal term. In everyday language, people might talk about a "police raid" or "search" (Durchsuchung), but in official language, Hausdurchsuchung is precise.
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Article Mnemonic: Remember that die Polizei (the police) conducts the search, or think of it as a type of investigation, die Untersuchung. Both are feminine, just like die Hausdurchsuchung.
Meaning Mnemonic: The word is a compound: You search durch (through) the Haus (house). Picture officials systematically going through a house, searching.
🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms
- Durchsuchung: A more general term, can also refer to searching persons or vehicles.
- Razzia: Often used synonymously, but frequently implies a larger, surprise operation targeting a group. (Similar to English 'raid').
- Wohnungsdurchsuchung: Very similar meaning, emphasizing the residential aspect ('apartment search').
Antonyms (in a broader sense)
- Privatsphäre: (Privacy) The state that is affected by a Hausdurchsuchung.
- Unverletzlichkeit der Wohnung: (Inviolability of the home) The fundamental right restricted by the measure.
- Freiwillige Nachschau: (Voluntary inspection) When someone voluntarily allows police to enter and look around (not a formal search).
⚠️ Caution: Not every police activity inside a home constitutes a Hausdurchsuchung in the legal sense.
😂 A Little Joke
Warum hat der Einbrecher nach der Hausdurchsuchung applaudiert?
(Why did the burglar applaud after the house search?)
Weil die Polizei sein Versteck besser gefunden hat als er selbst!
(Because the police found his hiding spot better than he could!)
📜 Poem about a Hausdurchsuchung
Im Morgengrauen, kalt und grau,
(In the dawn, cold and grey,)
Steht vor der Tür der Staatsanbau.
(Stands at the door the state's array.)
Mit Papier und ernster Miene,
(With papers and a serious face,)
Beginnt die Such-Routine.
(Begins the search routine.)
Die Schränke auf, die Kisten leer,
(The cupboards open, boxes bare,)
Man sucht Beweise, kreuz und quer.
(They seek evidence, everywhere.)
Die Hausdurchsuchung, ein ernster Akt,
(The house search, a serious act,)
Im Recht verankert, wohlbedacht.
(Anchored in law, a considered fact.)
❓ Little Riddle
Ich komme oft unerwartet und selten allein,
(I often come unexpected and seldom alone,)
Ein Richter schickt mich meistens heimlich rein.
(A judge usually sends me in secretly.)
Ich suche im Verborgenen, in Schrank und Regal,
(I search in hidden places, in cupboards and shelves,)
Ein Grundrecht schränk' ich ein, das ist legal (mit Beschluss).
(I limit a fundamental right, which is legal (with a warrant).)
Was bin ich? / What am I?
(Answer: Die Hausdurchsuchung)
🧩 Other Information
Word Composition
The word is a compound noun (Kompositum), formed from:
- Haus: Meaning 'house', referring to the building or premises.
- Durchsuchung: Derived from the verb durchsuchen, meaning 'to search through', indicating an intensive search within an area.
Legal Basis
In Germany, the requirements for a Hausdurchsuchung are primarily regulated in the Code of Criminal Procedure (Strafprozessordnung - StPO), particularly Sections 102 et seq.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Hausdurchsuchung?
The noun "Hausdurchsuchung" is always feminine. The correct article is exclusively die. There are no other genders or articles associated with this word.