die
Razzia
👮 What Exactly is a Razzia?
The German word die Razzia (plural: die Razzien) refers to a sudden and surprising operation conducted by the police or other authorities (e.g., Zoll - customs, Steuerfahndung - tax investigation). During a Razzia, a specific location (like a building, bar, or area) or a group of people is checked, searched, or arrested. The goal is often to secure evidence (Beweismittel), arrest suspects (Verdächtige), or stop illegal activities.
The word originates from Arabic (ġāziya = raid) and entered German via Italian (razzia).
There's only one article for this word: die Razzia. ⚠️ It is always feminine.
🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Die Razzia
The noun "Razzia" is feminine. Here are the declension tables:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | die | Razzia |
| Genitive (Possessive) | der | Razzia |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | der | Razzia |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | die | Razzia |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Razzien |
| Genitive | der | Razzien |
| Dative | den | Razzien |
| Accusative | die | Razzien |
Example Sentences
- Die Polizei führte am frühen Morgen eine Razzia in dem verdächtigen Club durch.
(The police conducted a raid on the suspicious club early in the morning.) - Bei der Razzia wurden Drogen und Waffen sichergestellt.
(Drugs and weapons were seized during the raid.) - Mehrere Personen wurden während der Razzien festgenommen.
(Several people were arrested during the raids.) - Die Anwohner wurden von der großangelegten Razzia überrascht.
(The residents were surprised by the large-scale raid.)
💡 When to Use "Razzia"?
The term "Razzia" is primarily used in the context of police, customs, or tax investigation operations.
- Typical Contexts: Fighting organized crime (organisierte Kriminalität), drug trafficking (Drogenhandel), illegal gambling (illegales Glücksspiel), undeclared work (Schwarzarbeit), tax evasion (Steuerhinterziehung), extremism (Extremismus).
- Characteristics: Element of surprise (Überraschungsmoment), swift action, often involving a large number of personnel (großes Personalaufgebot).
- Distinction: A Durchsuchung (search) can also be planned and conducted with a warrant (richterlicher Beschluss) for an individual. A Razzia often implies a larger, surprising operation targeting a group or a specific location.
The word has a rather official or media-related connotation and is rarely used in casual everyday language, unless reporting on such an event.
🧠 Mnemonics for Razzia
Article Mnemonic: Many foreign words ending in -a in German are feminine (like Pizza, Mafia). Think: Die Razzia, just like die Pizza – both arrive surprisingly (one from the oven, the other through the door!).
Meaning Mnemonic: The word sounds a bit like the English "razzle-dazzle", but a Razzia is a serious, sudden police action, not a show. Imagine the *razz*le-dazzle of flashing blue lights during a surprise Razzia.
🔄 Similar and Opposing Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Durchsuchung: (Search) Can be part of a Razzia, but also smaller/more targeted.
- Polizeieinsatz: (Police operation) General term, not necessarily surprising or a search.
- Zugriff: (Seizure, arrest, access) Often refers to the moment of arrest or securing evidence.
- Kontrolle: (Check, inspection) More general, can be a routine check.
- Hausdurchsuchung: (House search) Specifically refers to searching a building.
Antonyms (Opposing Concepts):
- Ankündigung: (Announcement) A Razzia is by definition unannounced.
- Warnung: (Warning) The opposite of the element of surprise.
- Routinekontrolle: (Routine check) Usually without specific suspicion and less intensive.
- Freispruch / Entlastung: (Acquittal / Exoneration) Potential outcome if a Razzia yields nothing.
😂 A Little Joke
Warum hat die Polizei eine Razzia im Alphabet durchgeführt?
Sie hatten gehört, dass sich dort Drogen verstecken – zwischen H und J!
(Why did the police raid the alphabet?
They heard drugs were hiding between H and J! [Note: In German, 'H' sounds like 'Ha' and 'J' sounds like 'Jot', 'Ha-Jot' can sound like 'Hasch Jott' / 'Hash God', a very slangy way to refer to hashish/cannabis.]) 😉
📜 Poem about a Razzia
Im Dunkel der Nacht, ein lauter Knall,
(In the dark of night, a loud bang,)
Blaulicht erhellt den ganzen Stall.
(Blue lights illuminate the whole place.)
Die Tür fliegt auf, herein stürmt schnell,
(The door flies open, rushing in fast,)
eine Truppe in Uniform, ganz grell.
(a troop in uniform, very bright.)
"Polizei! Razzia! Hände hoch!", der Ruf,
("Police! Raid! Hands up!", the call,)
man sucht Beweise, scharf und schroff.
(they search for evidence, sharp and rough.)
Ein schnelles Wühlen, dann ist's vorbei,
(A quick rummage, then it's over,)
übrig bleibt Chaos und Geschrei.
(what remains is chaos and shouting.)
❓ Riddle Time
Ich komme überraschend, oft bei Nacht,
(I come surprisingly, often at night,)
Bin eine Aktion, von Polizei gemacht.
(Am an operation, made by the police.)
Ich suche Verbotenes, groß und klein,
(I search for forbidden things, big and small,)
Und sorge oft für Schrecken und Pein.
(And often cause fright and pain.)
Was bin ich? (What am I?)
Lösung (Solution): die Razzia
🌐 Other Information
Etymology (Word Origin): As mentioned, "Razzia" comes from the Arabic word ġāziya (غزية), which originally meant a raid or foray (especially by Bedouin tribes). It entered German via the Italian razzia in the 19th century, often in the context of colonial conflicts in North Africa, before acquiring its current meaning of an official search operation.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Razzia?
The word "Razzia" is always feminine. The correct article is die Razzia. The plural is "die Razzien".