das Verbrechen, –
crime
Eine Handlung, die gegen das Gesetz ist und schwer bestraft wird.
Definition & meaning
A Verbrechen is a serious illegal act or a crime that violates the law. In general language, it is used to describe any significant wrongdoing or criminal activity.
In a specific legal context within the German penal code, a Verbrechen (felony) is distinguished from a Vergehen (misdemeanor). A crime is classified as a Verbrechen if it is punishable by a minimum sentence of one year or more in prison. Examples include murder, robbery, or serious assault.
Grammar & Word origin
The word is a neuter noun: das Verbrechen. Its plural form remains the same: die Verbrechen.
It is derived from the verb verbrechen , which consists of the prefix ver- and the verb brechen (to break). While brechen means to physically break something, the prefix ver- here indicates a deviation or a transgression. Therefore, the literal sense is "to break" a law or a moral code.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- Straftat : A general term for any punishable offense.
- Delikt : A legal term for an offense or a crime.
- Untat : An atrocious or monstrous deed.
- Missetat : An older term for a misdeed or transgression.
Antonyms:
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Examples
Das Verbrechen wurde schnell aufgeklärt.noun
The crime was solved quickly.
Verbrechen zerstören die Gesellschaft.noun
Crimes destroy society.
Ein schreckliches Verbrechen erschütterte die kleine Stadt.noun
A terrible crime shook the small town.
In diesem Buch werden verschiedene Arten von Verbrechen beschrieben.noun
In this book, different types of crimes are described.
Die Anzahl der Verbrechen ist in den letzten Jahren gestiegen.noun
The number of crimes has increased in recent years.
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