German word

korrupt

Pronunciation

IPA/kɔˈʁʊpt/

Meaning

  • adjectivecorrupt

Example

Ich kenne einen korrupten Politiker.

I know a corrupt politician.

Illustration for korrupt (corrupt)

More examples

Die Firma wurde wegen korrupter Praktiken untersucht.

The company was investigated for corrupt practices.

Core concept

A person or institution uses its entrusted power for private gain and loses moral and public trust.

Common phrases

  • ein korrupter Politiker

    a corrupt politician

  • korrupte Praktiken

    corrupt practices

  • ein korruptes System

    a corrupt system

Similar words

bestechlich: Easily induced by money or favors to change decisions or actions.
unehrlich: Lacking honesty and willing to deceive or cheat.
unredlich: Acting against moral standards through unfair or improper conduct.

Definition in German

Korrupt bezeichnet eine Person oder Institution, die durch Bestechung oder unmoralisches Verhalten Vertrauen missachtet und geltende Regeln verletzt.

Word origin

The adjective korrupt entered German from Latin corruptus and developed the sense of moral or institutional ruin caused by wrongdoing.

Usage tips

  • As an attributive adjective, korrupt takes normal endings, as in einen korrupten Politiker; after sein, it remains korrupt.

Other meanings

  • venaladjective
  • corruptedadjective

Opposites

  • ehrlichhonestadjective
  • redlichuprightadjective

Related words

  • Korruptioncorruptionnoun
  • korrumpierencorruptverb
  • korrumpiertcorruptedadjective

Word lists with this word