Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Polizist | /poliˈt͡sɪst/ | masculine |
| Polizeibeamter | /poliˈt͡saɪ̯bəˌʔamtɐ/ | masculine |
| Polizeikraft | feminine, nonstandard |
German uses different terms to describe a police officer depending on their gender and the level of formality required. In general, a male officer is a Polizist and a female officer is a Polizistin. The term Polizeibeamter specifically refers to a male police official or civil servant, while Polizeibeamtin refers to a female official. The term Polizeikraft is a nonstandard way to say police officer.
Which one should you use?
While Polizist is the common, everyday term, Polizeibeamter is a more formal term often used in official contexts to denote a police official or civil servant. In the plural, Polizisten refers to multiple police officers, whereas Polizeibeamte is the plural form of the formal term.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a female officer, use the feminine form Polizistin. For the plural of Polizist, use Polizisten. For the plural of the formal term Polizeibeamter, use Polizeibeamte.
How do you pronounce it?
/poliˈtsɪst/
Did you know?
- While English uses 'cop' as a common slang term, German speakers often use Bullen to refer to police officers in a similar informal or derogatory way. It literally translates to 'bulls'.
- The word Polizist shares its ancient roots with the word 'city', coming from the Greek word πόλις which means 'city-state'.
- Depending on the region, you might see the word Polizeiwache to describe where a Polizist works, which literally translates to 'police wake' or 'police watch'.
Examples in context
- Ich will Polizist sein.I want to be a police officer.This sentence describes a personal career aspiration using Polizist.Tatoeba #12407417 by Waldelfe, translation #5193540 by CK
- Toms Vater ist Polizist.Tom's father is a police officer.This sentence identifies a person's profession using Polizist.Tatoeba #3938522 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3938521 by Hybrid
- Wie bist du Polizist geworden?How did you become a police officer?This sentence asks about the process of becoming a police officer using Polizist.Tatoeba #2437495 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1885931 by CK
- Der Polizeibeamte hat den Verkehr geregelt.The police officer directed the traffic.
- Die Polizeibeamtin arbeitet im Büro.The policewoman works in the office.
- Der Polizist verfolgte den Dieb zu Fuß.The police officer chased the thief on foot.
- Die Polizistin führte die Befragung durch.The policewoman conducted the interrogation.
- Ich habe gestern Abend einen Bullen um Hilfe gebeten.I asked a cop for help last night.
- Die Bullen haben die Party aufgelöst.The cops shut down the party.
- 80 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Maximilian are walking in the city center.
- JuliaIst der Mann dort ein Polizist?Is that man there a police officer?
- MaximilianJa, er ist ein Polizist.Yes, he is a police officer.
- JuliaSieht er wie ein Polizist aus?Does he look like a police officer?
- MaximilianJa, er trägt eine Uniform.Yes, he is wearing a uniform.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “police officer” translations and entries Polizist, Polizeibeamter, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Polizeibeamter, Polizist, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
