Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| stehlen | /ˈʃteːlən/ /ˈʃteːlɛn/ |
|
| entwenden | /ʔɛntˈvɛndn̩/ /ʔɛntˈvɛndən/ |
|
| klauen | /ˈklaʊ̯ən/ /ˈklaʊ̯n/ |
colloquial |
| mopsen | /ˈmɔpsn̩/ |
The verb means to illegally take possession of something. Related nouns include Diebstahl and Raub for the act of stealing, while Schnäppchen refers to merchandise available at a very attractive price.
Which one should you use?
While stehlen is the standard verb, entwenden is a more formal, bureaucratic or legalistic term often found in police reports or official contexts. For a more colloquial tone, klauen is similar to the English terms 'to swipe' or 'to pinch'. If you want to be very informal or even playful, especially when describing the act of taking something small that is not considered a serious crime, use mopsen.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
entwenden is a formal alternative for 'to steal'. klauen is a colloquial option. mopsen is an informal term used in a light-hearted or playful manner. The verb rauben is a formal way to express stealing and is primarily used for the English verb 'to rob'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
stehlen is an irregular verb. The third-person singular present tense is stiehlt and the past participle is gestohlen. Regarding the nouns for the act of stealing, Diebstahl refers to theft (taking something without force), whereas Raub specifically refers to robbery involving force or the threat of violence.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃteːlən/
Did you know?
- The word mopsen is derived from Mops, which is the German word for a pug dog.
- The word mopsen is used so playfully that it is often used when a child takes a small toy or a sibling takes a snack.
Examples in context
- Sie wollen das Auto stehlen.They want to steal the car.This sentence is useful for practicing the verb stehlen in a context about a car.Tatoeba #4510206 by Stuhr, translation #9649674 by DJ_Saidez
- Zu stehlen ist etwas Schlimmes.It is bad to steal.This sentence uses stehlen to describe a bad action.Tatoeba #10088679 by wolfgangth, translation #279854 by CK
- Ich kann nicht für dich stehlen.I can't steal for you.This sentence uses stehlen to express an inability to steal for someone.Tatoeba #1973711 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1954923 by CK
- Er hat das Geld gestohlen.He stole the money.
- Der Einbrecher hat das Gemälde entwendet.The burglar stole the painting.
- Der Dieb hat ihr die Handtasche geraubt.The thief stole her handbag.
- Er hat meinen Stift gemopst.He stole my pen.
- Wer hat meine Schokolade geklaut?Who stole my chocolate?
- 58 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Lukas are talking about a missing bicycle.
- JuliaLukas, jemand wollte mein Fahrrad stehlen!Lukas, someone tried to steal my bicycle!
- LukasWas? Wer würde dein Fahrrad stehlen?What? Who would steal your bicycle?
- JuliaIch weiß es nicht, aber das Schloss ist kaputt.I don't know, but the lock is broken.
- LukasWir sollten sofort die Polizei rufen.We should call the police immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “steal” translations and entries stehlen, entwenden, klauen, mopsen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries entwenden, klauen, mopsen, stehlen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
