German word

Komplize

Pronunciation

IPA/kɔmˈpliːt͡sə/

Meaning

  • masculine nounaccomplice

Example

Die Polizei hat den Komplizen gestern verhaftet.

The police arrested the accomplice yesterday.

Illustration for Komplize (accomplice)

More examples

Die Presse nannte den Komplizen des Angeklagten beim Namen.

The press identified the defendant's accomplice by name.

Core concept

A hidden partner stands beside the main offender, helping the shared scheme succeed.

Common phrases

  • der Komplize des Täters

    the perpetrator's accomplice

  • von seinem Komplizen verraten werden

    be betrayed by his accomplice

Similar words

Mittäter: A person who directly takes part in committing a crime.
Helfer: A person who helps prepare or carry out a crime.
Mitwisser: A person who knows about a crime but does not take part directly.
Anstifter: A person who urges someone else to commit a crime.

Definition in German

Jemand, der zusammen mit anderen eine Tat plant oder ausführt.

Word origin

Komplize came through French complice from Latin complex, complicis, a term for someone closely joined to another and linked with complicare, 'to fold together'.

Usage tips

  • Komplize usually implies criminal involvement, while Mitarbeiter or Partner is more suitable for a neutral collaborator.

Other meanings

  • co-conspiratornoun

Opposites

  • Einzeltäterlone perpetratornoun
  • Alleintätersole perpetratornoun

Related words

  • Komplizinfemale accomplicenoun
  • Komplizenschaftcomplicitynoun

Word lists with this word