noun

der Verdacht, -e

suspicion

Es ist das Gefühl oder die Annahme, dass etwas nicht richtig oder vielleicht falsch ist, ohne dass man Beweise hat.

The German word "Verdacht" is a noun meaning "suspicion" or "suspect" (a feeling or belief that someone has done something wrong). It is derived from the verb "dachten" (from denken, meaning "to think") with the prefix "ver-", which often indicates a wrongful or mistaken action or intensified state.

Similar words:

  • Verdächtigung (accusation, suspicion)
  • Misstrauen (mistrust, distrust)
  • Argwohn (distrust, suspicion)

Differences:

  • Verdacht typically refers to a suspicion based on some signs, but not yet confirmed, often used in legal or investigative contexts.
  • Misstrauen implies a general lack of trust, often broader or more personal.
  • Argwohn is a more poetic or old-fashioned term for suspicion, often stronger and more emotional.
  • Verdächtigung focuses more on the act of accusing or suggesting suspicion rather than the feeling itself.

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Examples

Ich habe einen Verdacht.noun

I have a suspicion.

Der Verdacht bleibt bestehen, trotz mangelnder Beweise.noun

The suspicion remains despite a lack of evidence.

Ein Verdacht hat sich nicht bestätigt.noun

A suspicion was not confirmed.

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