die
Sachbeschädigung
📜 What does 'die Sachbeschädigung' mean?
Die Sachbeschädigung is the German legal term for property damage or vandalism. It specifically refers to the unlawful damaging or destruction of property belonging to someone else. It's a key concept in German criminal law (defined in § 303 StGB - *Strafgesetzbuch*, the Criminal Code).
Essentially, it means someone intentionally or knowingly damages someone else's property, diminishing its value or usability.
⚠️ Note: Altering the appearance of an object (e.g., with graffiti) can also qualify as Sachbeschädigung under certain circumstances.
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 in Detail: Die Sachbeschädigung
The word 'Sachbeschädigung' is a feminine noun. Its article is always 'die'. It's mostly used in the singular form, as it often describes the offense itself. The plural ('die Sachbeschädigungen') is used when referring to multiple separate incidents.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Sachbeschädigung |
| Genitive | der | Sachbeschädigung |
| Dative | der | Sachbeschädigung |
| Accusative | die | Sachbeschädigung |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Sachbeschädigungen |
| Genitive | der | Sachbeschädigungen |
| Dative | den | Sachbeschädigungen |
| Accusative | die | Sachbeschädigungen |
📝 Example Sentences
- Die Polizei ermittelt wegen Sachbeschädigung an mehreren Autos.
(The police are investigating property damage to several cars.) - Der entstandene Schaden durch die Sachbeschädigung ist erheblich.
(The damage caused by the vandalism is considerable.) - Sachbeschädigungen an öffentlichen Gebäuden nehmen leider zu.
(Acts of vandalism on public buildings are unfortunately increasing.) - Er wurde wegen wiederholter Sachbeschädigung angezeigt.
(He was reported for repeated property damage.)
💡 Usage and Context
The term die Sachbeschädigung is primarily used in the following contexts:
- Law and Justice: In criminal proceedings, indictments, judgments, and legal texts.
- Police and Administration: When filing reports, in police records, and statistics.
- Insurance: When reporting and settling property damage claims.
- Media Reporting: When reporting on vandalism, destruction, or criminal offenses.
In everyday language, the word 'Vandalismus' is often used, which has a similar meaning but sometimes emphasizes malicious, senseless destruction more strongly. 'Sachbeschädigung' is the more precise legal term.
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Article 'die': Remember that many German nouns ending in '-ung' are feminine ('die'). Think of die Beschädigung (the damaging) of eine Sache (a thing) -> die Sachbeschädigung.
Meaning: Break down the word: Sache (thing, matter, property) + Beschädigung (damage). So, it literally means 'thing-damage' or property damage.
🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Vandalismus: Often used synonymously, sometimes emphasizes malice more.
- Zerstörung: Destruction (can be more severe than just damage).
- Beschädigung: Damage (more general, not specific to property).
- Demolierung: Demolition, severe destruction.
Antonyms (Opposites):
- Erhaltung: Preservation, conservation.
- Schutz: Protection.
- Reparatur: Repair.
- Instandsetzung: Restoration, refurbishment.
- Pflege: Care, maintenance.
Similar words / Potential confusion: Don't confuse Sachbeschädigung with 'Schadenersatz' (compensation for damages) or 'Diebstahl' (theft).
😄 A Little Joke
Richter: "Angeklagter, warum haben Sie die Parkuhr beschädigt?"
Angeklagter: "Aus Notwehr, Herr Richter! Sie hat mein ganzes Geld geschluckt und mich dann auch noch zeitlich unter Druck gesetzt!"
Translation:
Judge: "Defendant, why did you damage the parking meter?"
Defendant: "In self-defense, Your Honor! It swallowed all my money and then put me under time pressure!"
✒️ Poem about Sachbeschädigung
Ein Kratzer im Lack, ein Sprung im Glas,
Fremdes Gut, welch ein arger Spaß?
Die Sachbeschädigung, kalt und roh,
Macht Eigentümer gar nicht froh.
Ein Stein geworfen, Wut entfacht,
Hat fremde Mühe zunicht' gemacht.
Doch Recht und Ordnung halten Wacht,
Auf dass der Täter wird zur Rechenschaft gebracht.
Translation:
A scratch in the paint, a crack in the glass,
Someone else's property, what a nasty jest?
The property damage, cold and raw,
Makes owners not happy at all.
A stone thrown, anger ignited,
Has ruined someone else's effort.
But law and order keep watch,
So that the perpetrator is brought to account.
❓ Little Riddle
Ich bin kein Dieb, nehm' nichts dir weg,
doch hinterlass' ich Schmutz und Schreck.
Ich änder' Dinge, mach' sie schlecht,
verletze dein Besitzesrecht.
Im Strafgesetzbuch steh' ich drin,
bring Ärger oft und wenig Sinn.
Was bin ich?
Translation:
I am no thief, take nothing away,
But I leave behind dirt and dismay.
I change things, make them bad,
Violate the property rights you had.
In the criminal code, I reside,
Often bring trouble, with little sense inside.
What am I?
(Answer: die Sachbeschädigung / property damage/vandalism)
🧩 Other Information
Word Composition: The word 'Sachbeschädigung' is a compound noun, composed of:
- Die Sache: Thing, object, matter, property.
- Die Beschädigung: The act of damaging.
Legal Relevance: Sachbeschädigung is a criminal offense in Germany according to § 303 of the German Criminal Code (StGB). Depending on the severity and circumstances, it can be punished with fines or imprisonment.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Sachbeschädigung?
The German word Sachbeschädigung is feminine. The correct article is therefore die. You say die Sachbeschädigung.