Diebstahl

theft

noun DEEP-shtahl Rare

Also means

larceny

Usage Note

Diebstahl is the crime of theft, formed from Dieb (thief) plus Stahl (an old noun of stehlen, to steal). Note the spelling: the h is silent. Aggravated theft is schwerer Diebstahl, and shoplifting is Ladendiebstahl.

Examples

"Der Diebstahl des Fahrrads wurde sofort gemeldet."

Natural Translation

The theft of the bicycle was reported immediately.

Literal Translation

The theft of-the bicycle became immediately reported.

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