Detektiv

detective, private investigator

noun de-tek-TEEF Rare

Origin: from English detective

Usage Note

Detektiv in German can mean a fictional detective as well as a licensed private investigator (Privatdetektiv). The profession is unregulated in Germany; Kaufhausdetektive (store detectives) work to prevent shoplifting and are employed directly by retailers.

Examples

"Der Detektiv observierte den Verdächtigen mehrere Tage lang."

Natural Translation

The detective surveilled the suspect for several days.

Literal Translation

The detective surveilled the suspect several days long.

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