die  Kantonspolizei

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/kantɔnspoliˈt͡saɪ/

👮‍♀️ What exactly is die Kantonspolizei?

The German word Kantonspolizei (often shortened to Kapo) refers to the police force of a Kanton (canton) in Switzerland. Because Switzerland has a federal structure, each canton has its own police authority and thus its own Kantonspolizei.

The word is feminine, so the correct article is always die Kantonspolizei.

There are no other articles for this word, as it clearly refers to the institution. 🚨 Confusion is unlikely, as the term is very specific to Switzerland.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar under the Microscope: Die Kantonspolizei

The noun "Kantonspolizei" is a compound noun formed from "Kanton" (canton) and "Polizei" (police). Since the base word "Polizei" is feminine (die Polizei), "Kantonspolizei" is also feminine.

It is mostly used in the singular form as it refers to the entire organisation within one canton.

Declension (Singular)

Declension (Plural)

The plural "die Kantonspolizeien" is rare but used when referring to the police forces of multiple cantons.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die Kantonspolizei Zürich hat neue Fahrzeuge erhalten. (The Zurich Cantonal Police received new vehicles.)
2. Der Einsatz wurde von der Kantonspolizei Bern geleitet. (The operation was led by the Bern Cantonal Police.)
3. Man arbeitet eng mit den verschiedenen Kantonspolizeien zusammen. (There is close cooperation with the various cantonal police forces.)

🇨🇭 Usage in Context: When to use Kantonspolizei?

The term die Kantonspolizei is specific to Switzerland and designates the respective cantonal police authority. It is used in official language, news reports, and everyday conversation when discussing police matters at the cantonal level.

• Context: Official reports, news, discussions about local security, administration.
• Abbreviation: The abbreviation "Kapo" is commonly used (e.g., Kapo Zürich, Kapo Bern).
• Difference from Germany/Austria: In Germany, the function most closely corresponds to the Landespolizei of a federal state. In Austria, there are the Landespolizeidirektionen. The term "Kantonspolizei" is not used there.

⚠️ Be careful not to use the term for municipal police forces (Stadtpolizei) or the federal police (fedpol), although they naturally cooperate.

🧠 Mnemonics for Kantonspolizei

Article Mnemonic: Remember "die Polizei" (the police) ends in '-ei', like many feminine nouns. So, die Kantonspolizei also takes the feminine article 'die'.

Meaning Mnemonic: Think of a Swiss Kanton as a state or region, and each needs its own Polizei (police). Put them together: Kanton + Polizei = Kantonspolizei, the police for the canton.

🔄 Similar and Contrasting Terms

Potential Confusion: Sometimes "Kantonale Polizei" is incorrectly used as a synonym for all police forces within a canton (including city police), which is imprecise.

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt ein Tourist die Kantonspolizei: "Entschuldigung, wie komme ich am schnellsten zum Bahnhof?" Antwortet der Polizist: "Normalerweise mit Blaulicht und Sirene. Aber für Sie machen wir heute eine Ausnahme – gehen Sie einfach diese Strasse geradeaus!"

English Translation: A tourist asks the Cantonal Police: "Excuse me, what's the quickest way to get to the train station?" The police officer replies: "Normally with blue lights and siren. But for you, we'll make an exception today – just go straight down this street!"

📜 Poem about the Kapo

German:
Im Kanton, tagaus, tagein,
sorgt sie für Ordnung, groß und klein.
Mit Uniform und wachem Blick,
die Kantonspolizei, Stück für Stück,
hilft Bürgern in der Not,
gibt Sicherheit, hält das Verbot.
Ob Tag, ob Nacht, sie ist bereit,
für Recht und für Gerechtigkeit.

English Translation:
In the canton, day out, day in,
it ensures order, large and small within.
With uniform and watchful eye,
the Cantonal Police, passing by,
helps citizens in need,
provides security, plants the seed
of law and order, day or night,
ready for justice and for right.

❓ A Little Riddle

German:
Ich trage Uniform, doch nicht beim Bund,
bin für die Sicherheit im Kantonsrund.
Von Genf bis St. Gallen kennt man mich,
wer bin ich, sprich?

English Translation:
I wear a uniform, but not for the federal state,
I'm responsible for security within the canton's gate.
From Geneva to St. Gallen, I am known near and far,
Tell me, who am I?

🔍 Further Details

Word Composition: The word "Kantonspolizei" is a compound noun (Determinativkompositum).

• Determinant (Determinans): Kanton (specifies the type of police)
• Base Word (Grundwort): Polizei (determines the word type and gender)

Organization: The structures and specific tasks of the cantonal police forces can vary slightly from canton to canton, based on cantonal legislation.