Stehlen vs. klauen
Both stehlen and klauen mean to steal in German, but they differ in tone and usage. Stehlen is the standard and formal term, while klauen is a colloquial, more casual expression.
Stehlen
B1Stehlen is the standard and formal word for to steal. It is used in official contexts, literature, or when speaking in a neutral or formal way about theft.
Er hat Geld aus der Kasse gestohlen.
(He stole money from the cash register.)
Der Dieb wollte das Gemälde aus dem Museum stehlen.
(The thief wanted to steal the painting from the museum.)
Wenn du etwas stiehlst, machst du dich strafbar.
(If you steal something, you become liable for prosecution.)
Klauen
A2Klauen is a colloquial way of saying to steal. It is casual and informal, often used when discussing petty theft or jokingly referring to stealing something.
Wer hat meinen Stift geklaut?
(Who stole my pen?)
Er hat ein Brötchen aus der Bäckerei geklaut.
(He stole a bread roll from the bakery.)
Als Kind habe ich manchmal Süßigkeiten geklaut.
(As a child, I sometimes stole sweets.)
Summary
Stehlen is the standard and formal word for to steal, often used in serious situations, legal contexts, or formal speech. Klauen, on the other hand, is informal and colloquial, frequently applied to minor thefts or in casual conversations. The main difference is their tone and level of formality.