Beamter
/bəˈʔamtɐ/
The German word for officer is Beamter.
Beamter is a respectful term used to address or refer to an officer, particularly a police officer. However, it is important to note that while English uses 'officer' often to imply law enforcement, Beamter refers more broadly to any civil servant or public official.
Meaning: a respectful term of address for an officer, especially a police officer (noun)
Which one should you use?
If you specifically want to refer to a police officer rather than a general civil servant, the more precise term is Polizist. For a colloquial and slightly derogatory way to describe an officer, one might use Bulle.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form for a female officer is Beamtin. When referring to multiple officers, use the plural form Beamte. If the plural is in the accusative or dative case, use Beamten.
How do you pronounce it?
/bəˈʔamtɐ/
Did you know?
- While Beamte covers police and tax collectors, it also includes teachers in many German states. A primary school teacher is technically a Beamter in the same way a police officer is.
- In Germany, a Beamter is not just an employee but enters a special legal relationship with the state. This gives them lifelong tenure and protections that a typical private-sector employee does not have.
- The word Beamte is a classic example of a 'nominalized adjective', meaning it was originally an adjective that turned into a noun.
Examples in context
- Ich bin kein Beamter.I'm not an officer.This sentence is useful for stating that you are not an officer.Tatoeba #10063380 by wolfgangth, translation #2548699 by CK
- Inspektor Gregory, dem der Fall übertragen wurde, ist ein überaus kompetenter Beamter.Inspector Gregory, to whom the case has been committed, is an extremely competent officer.This sentence is useful for describing a competent officer.Tatoeba #7005765 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6957583 by Hybrid
- Der Polizist sicherte die Unfallstelle ab.The officer secured the accident scene.
- Der Beamte wurde zum Chef der Polizei ernannt.The officer was appointed as the chief of police.
- Letzte Nacht haben die Cops den Verdächtigen festgenommen.Last night, the officers arrested the suspect.
- In den 1920er Jahren waren die Schupos auf den Straßen allgegenwärtig.In the 1920s, the officers were omnipresent on the streets.
Example conversation
Laura is stopped by a police officer on the street.
- MaximilianGuten Tag, Frau Beamter, Ihren Ausweis bitte.Good day, officer, your ID please.
- LauraHier ist er, Herr Beamter.Here it is, officer.
- MaximilianAlles in Ordnung, Sie können weitergehen.Everything is in order, you may go on.
- LauraVielen Dank und einen schönen Tag noch.Thank you very much and have a nice day.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Beamter, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Beamter, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
