German word

Beschuldigte

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈʃʊldɪçtə/

Meaning

  • noun (m./f.)suspect

Example

Der Beschuldigte wurde verhört.

The suspect was questioned.

Illustration for Beschuldigte (suspect)

More examples

Der Beschuldigte zeigt sich vor Gericht ruhig.

The suspect appears calm in court.

Core concept

An accused person occupies a place in the proceedings before the court has reached a final judgment.

Common phrases

  • Der Beschuldigte und seine Verteidigung

    the suspect and his defense

  • der Beschuldigte vor Gericht

    the suspect in court

Similar words

Verdächtige: A person suspected of involvement in an offense.
Angeklagte: A person charged with an offense and facing trial.
Zeuge: A person who witnessed an event and can give evidence.
Täter: A person regarded as having committed the act.

Definition in German

Eine Person, die in einem Strafverfahren als Beschuldigte bezeichnet wird und deren Schuld nicht feststeht.

Word origin

The stem of Beschuldigte is beschuldig- from beschuldigen, a be- formation based on Schuld, while the final -e is an inflectional adjective ending.

Usage tips

  • In legal German, Beschuldigter is the investigation-stage term, while Angeklagter is used after a public charge has been brought and the main trial has opened.

Opposites

  • Freigesprocheneracquitted personnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word