VocabuoDictionaryGet the app
noun

die Hinrichtung, -en

execution

Das ist die Tötung eines Menschen als Strafe durch den Staat oder durch eine Gruppe mit Macht.

Definition & meaning

The word Hinrichtung refers to the act of carrying out a death sentence. It is the official, state-sanctioned killing of a person as a punishment for a crime they have been convicted of. In a broader, more figurative context, it can sometimes be used to describe a devastating defeat or a metaphorical "slaughter" in sports or politics, though its primary use is strictly legal and historical.

Grammar & Word origin

Hinrichtung is a feminine noun. The plural form is Hinrichtungen. It is derived from the verb hinrichten.

The components of the word are:

  • hin: A prefix indicating a direction (away or towards a specific point).
  • richten: A verb meaning to judge, to straighten, or to direct.
  • -ung: A common German suffix used to transform a verb into a noun representing an action or a result.

Historically, the verb richten was used in the legal sense of "to pass judgment." Over time, the combination with the prefix "hin" evolved specifically to mean the execution of that judgment when it involved the death penalty.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms for Hinrichtung include:

  • Exekution: Often used in a formal or military context.
  • Vollstreckung: A general term for the enforcement of a legal judgment, though in this context, it refers specifically to the death penalty.
  • Tötung: A neutral term for killing, though less specific than Hinrichtung.
  • Justizmord: Used specifically to describe a wrongful execution or a "judicial murder."

Antonyms or opposing concepts include:

  • Begnadigung: An official pardon or act of clemency.
  • Freispruch: An acquittal where the accused is found not guilty.
  • Lebenshaft: Short for lebenslange Haft, referring to life imprisonment instead of a death sentence.
  • Verschonung: The act of sparing someone from a penalty or harm.

Make “Hinrichtung” part of your vocabulary.

Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.

Get Vocabuo on the App StoreGet Vocabuo for Android

Examples

Die Hinrichtung findet nächste Woche statt.noun

The execution will take place next week.

Keep exploring German

Learn words from the content you love.

Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).

Download on theApp StoreGET IT ONGoogle Play