German word

Freispruch

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfʁaɪ̯ˌʃpʁʊx/

Meaning

  • masculine nounacquittal

Example

Nach dem langen Prozess bekam er den Freispruch.

After the lengthy trial, he was acquitted.

Illustration for Freispruch (acquittal)

More examples

Der Anwalt konnte einen Freispruch erwirken.

The lawyer was able to secure an acquittal.

Core concept

The judge's ruling removes the accused from the case instead of sending the person into punishment.

Common phrases

  • einen Freispruch erwirken

    secure an acquittal

  • einen Freispruch anstreben

    seek an acquittal

  • einen vollständigen Freispruch erreichen

    achieve a full acquittal

Similar words

Urteil: A legally binding decision that concludes a court case.
Verurteilung: A court decision finding the accused guilty and imposing a punishment.
Schuldspruch: A court decision that formally finds the accused guilty.
Berufung: A procedure for challenging a lower court's decision before a higher court.

Definition in German

Freispruch ist das gerichtliche Urteil, durch das eine angeklagte Person von der Anklage entbunden und nicht bestraft wird.

Word origin

The compound Freispruch joins frei with Spruch, a judgment or pronouncement, reflecting the idea of a court declaring the accused free from the accusation.

Usage tips

  • German uses the passive form freigesprochen werden for the accused, while the court can say jemanden freisprechen with an accusative object.

Other meanings

  • exonerationnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word