diebe

Diebe is the German plural noun meaning "thieves." The singular form is Dieb; the feminine form is Diebin. The term is used to describe people who steal, and it appears in everyday language as well as literary and journalistic contexts. Its usage carries a neutral reference to the act itself, but can also imply disapproval depending on tone and context.

In German-speaking countries, theft is criminalized as Diebstahl. A Dieb is someone who commits theft, generally involving the taking of movable property belonging to another with intent to permanently deprive the owner. The offense is categorized alongside related crimes such as burglary and robbery; gendered forms (Diebin, Diebinnen) are used for female thieves in ordinary speech and writing.

Historically, Diebe appear in folklore, ballads, and literature as archetypes—ranging from cunning rogues to socially charged figures representing poverty, class tension, and resistance to authority.

In cultural depictions, the Dieb is a stock character used to explore themes of morality, law, and social conditions.