Magnetstreife

Magnetstreife is a German term that literally translates to “magnetic patrol.” It is not a formally standardized concept with a single universally accepted definition, and its meaning tends to vary by context and region. In general, the phrase can denote a patrol, team, or procedure that involves magnets or magnetic detection as part of its tasks.

Possible interpretations include a field operation in industrial or maintenance settings where a team uses magnetic tools, magnetometers, or strong magnets to locate ferromagnetic objects, such as metal debris, fasteners, or hidden components, for safety, cleanup, or salvage purposes. In this sense, a magnetstreife may be employed during construction work, railway maintenance, or shipyard procedures to identify metallic hazards or to recover magnetic scrap.

In security or screening contexts, the term may be used to describe procedures that rely on magnetic detection devices to identify concealed ferrous items. However, this usage is less common and would typically be described with the specific equipment involved (for example, magnetic detectors or magnetometers) rather than with the generic label magnetstreife.

Origin and usage of the term are informal and not tied to a formal discipline. It can appear in regional manuals, workplace slang, or media references, but it is not widely standardized across industries.

See also: magnetometer, ferromagnetism, security screening, police patrol.