der  Strafbefehl

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃtʁaːfbəˌfeːl/

📜 What exactly is a Strafbefehl?

Der Strafbefehl is a legal term from German criminal procedure law. It refers to a court decision issued without an oral hearing (Hauptverhandlung) that imposes a penalty (Strafe), usually a fine (Geldstrafe), or less commonly, a suspended prison sentence (Freiheitsstrafe zur Bewährung).

A Strafbefehl is typically requested for minor to moderate criminal offenses (Vergehen) when the facts seem clear and the public prosecutor's office (Staatsanwaltschaft) does not deem a main hearing necessary. The accused (Beschuldigte) can object (Einspruch einlegen) to the Strafbefehl; otherwise, it becomes legally binding (rechtskräftig) and has the same effect as a judgment (Urteil).

It is always der Strafbefehl (masculine). Using other articles is incorrect. ⚠️

📐 Grammar & Declension: Der Strafbefehl

The noun „Strafbefehl“ is masculine. Here are the declension tables:

Example Sentences

• Der Richter erließ einen Strafbefehl wegen Diebstahls.
  (The judge issued a summary penalty order for theft.)
• Der Angeklagte legte Einspruch gegen den Strafbefehl ein.
  (The defendant lodged an objection against the summary penalty order.)
• Mit Rechtskraft des Strafbefehls gilt die Geldstrafe als festgesetzt.
  (Once the summary penalty order becomes legally binding, the fine is considered fixed.)
• Die Staatsanwaltschaft beantragte mehrere Strafbefehle in ähnlichen Fällen.
  (The public prosecutor's office applied for several summary penalty orders in similar cases.)

💡 Usage in Daily Life and Legal Context

Der Strafbefehl is primarily a term used in legal language (Rechtssprache). In everyday life, you usually hear it in connection with news about court proceedings or when someone is personally affected.

• Typical Contexts: Strafverfahren (criminal proceedings), Justiz (justice system), Polizei (police), Anwaltschaft (lawyers).
• Function: To simplify and expedite proceedings in cases with clear evidence and less serious offenses.
• Distinction: A Bußgeldbescheid relates to administrative offenses (Ordnungswidrigkeiten, e.g., traffic violations), whereas a Strafbefehl addresses criminal acts (Straftaten). An Anklageschrift (indictment) leads to a main trial, which the Strafbefehl aims to avoid.

Common verbs used with Strafbefehl are: erlassen (to issue), beantragen (to apply for), erhalten (to receive), or Einspruch einlegen (to object).

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of a command or 'order' (Befehl). Orders often come from a male authority figure, like 'der' General or der Richter (judge). So it's der Strafbefehl.

Meaning Mnemonic: Break it down: Strafe sounds like 'strife' or 'stripe' (like a penalty stripe), and Befehl sounds like 'be fail' - if you 'be fail'-ing the law, you get this order (Befehl) with a penalty (Strafe).

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

Similar but different terms:

• Bußgeldbescheid: Fine notice for administrative offenses, not criminal acts.
• Urteil: Judgment resulting from a main trial (or when a Strafbefehl becomes final).
• Vorladung: Summons to appear before court or police.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Warum haben Sie nur die Brieftasche gestohlen und nicht auch die teure Uhr?"
Antwortet der Angeklagte: "Herr Richter, man soll nicht alles auf einmal wollen! Außerdem stand im Kleingedruckten vom Strafbefehl-Antrag nichts von Uhren..." 😉

Translation:
The judge asks the defendant: "Why did you only steal the wallet and not the expensive watch too?"
The defendant replies: "Your Honor, one shouldn't want everything at once! Besides, the fine print on the Strafbefehl application didn't mention watches..." 😉

✍️ Poem about the Strafbefehl

Ein Brief vom Gericht, ganz offiziell,
Der Strafbefehl, kommt blitzeschnell.
Kein großer Prozess, kein langer Streit,
Bei klarem Fall, zur Einsparung von Zeit.
Geldstrafe droht, 's ist kein Vergnügen,
Man kann Einspruch einlegen, statt sich zu fügen.
Doch ohne Reaktion, da wird's zur Pflicht,
Wie ein Urteil gilt's vor dem Gericht.

Translation:
A letter from court, official and swell,
Der Strafbefehl, arrives fast as hell.
No lengthy trial, no drawn-out fight,
For clear-cut cases, saving time and light.
A fine may loom, it's no delight,
You can object, instead of bowing to might.
But without reaction, it becomes your plight,
Like a judgment it stands in the court's sight.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich komme per Post, bin selten begehrt,
Ein Richter hat mich für dich beschert.
Ich spreche von Strafe, doch ohne Prozess im Saal,
Legst du keinen Einspruch ein, wird's zur Qual (oder zur Zahlung).

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I arrive by mail, am rarely desired,
A judge has decided what's required.
I speak of penalty, but without a trial in the hall,
If you don't object, you'll face the call (or the payment).

What am I? (Solution: der Strafbefehl)

🧩 Further Details

Word Composition:

Der Strafbefehl is a compound noun, composed of:

• Die Strafe: Penalty, punishment, fine.
• Der Befehl: Order, command, instruction.

Together, the meaning is an “order for a penalty”.

Trivia:

• The summary penalty order procedure (§§ 407 ff. StPO - German Code of Criminal Procedure) is intended to relieve the burden on the judicial system.
• It is only possible for misdemeanors (Vergehen), not felonies (Verbrechen).
• The accused's consent is not required for it to be issued, but they have the right to object (Einspruch).