German word

Straftat

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃtʁaːfˌtaːt/

Meaning

  • feminine nouncrime

Example

Letzte Woche wurde eine schwere Straftat gemeldet.

A serious crime was reported last week.

Illustration for Straftat (crime)

More examples

Der Vorfall wurde zunächst nicht als Straftat eingestuft.

The incident was not initially classified as a crime.

Core concept

A concrete deed that crosses the boundary into criminal law and can become a case for the authorities.

Common phrases

  • als Straftat gelten

    be considered a crime

  • wegen einer Straftat angeklagt werden

    be charged with a crime

  • eine Straftat melden

    report a crime

Similar words

Verbrechen: A serious crime involving major harm and carrying a severe penalty.
Vergehen: A minor unlawful act punished by a light penalty or a fine.
Delikt: A legal term for an unlawful act dealt with in investigations or court.
Tat: A general term for an act or conduct that has taken place.

Definition in German

Eine rechtswidrige Handlung, die nach dem Strafrecht strafbar ist.

Word origin

Straftat is a compound of Straf- from Strafe, 'punishment', and Tat, 'deed', forming the sense of a punishable deed.

Usage tips

  • Straftat is feminine, with the plural Straftaten: die Straftat, eine Straftat, mehrere Straftaten.

Related words

  • Strafverfahrencriminal proceedingsnoun
  • Strafverteidigercriminal defense lawyernoun

Word lists with this word