German word

strafbar

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃtʁaːfbaːɐ̯/

Meaning

  • adjectivepunishable

Example

Das Betreten des Hauses ist strafbar.

Entering the house is punishable.

Illustration for strafbar (punishable)

More examples

Das Verkaufen von gefälschten Waren ist strafbar.

Selling counterfeit goods is punishable.

Core concept

A legal warning label attached to conduct, indicating that criminal law can trigger a penalty.

Common phrases

  • strafbar sein

    be punishable

  • als strafbar angesehen werden

    be regarded as punishable

Similar words

rechtswidrig: In violation of the law or lacking legal justification.
illegal: Not allowed by law or by an applicable rule.
verfolgbar: Subject to investigation and prosecution in criminal proceedings.
unzulässig: Disallowed by a rule, law, authority, or established requirement.

Definition in German

Ein Adjektiv für eine Handlung oder ein Verhalten, das nach dem Gesetz bestraft werden kann.

Word origin

German strafbar combines Strafe, meaning 'penalty', with the suffix -bar, meaning 'able to be', to describe something liable to punishment.

Usage tips

  • The broader English word 'illegal' is not always precise, because strafbar specifically concerns conduct punishable under criminal law.

Other meanings

  • illegaladjective

Opposites

  • straffreiexempt from punishmentadjective
  • legallegaladjective

Related words

Word lists with this word