die  Bestrafung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/bəˈʃtʁaːfʊŋ/

🤔 What exactly is a *Bestrafung*?

Die Bestrafung (noun, feminine) refers to a measure imposed in response to undesirable behaviour, a violation of rules, or a criminal offence. The goal is often to correct behaviour, deter future actions, or restore justice.

• Legal Context: A penalty imposed by a court for a crime (e.g., *Geldstrafe* - fine, *Freiheitsstrafe* - prison sentence).
• Educational Context: A consequence for misbehaviour (e.g., *Hausarrest* - grounding for a child).
• Social Context: Negative social reactions to norm violations (e.g., *Ausgrenzung* - exclusion).

⚠️ There is only one article, 'die', for this word. It is always feminine.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: *Die Bestrafung*

The word *"Bestrafung"* is a feminine noun. Its declension is as follows:

Example Sentences

1. Die Bestrafung für den Diebstahl war eine Geldstrafe.
   (The punishment for the theft was a fine.)
2. Viele Eltern halten körperliche Bestrafung für falsch.
   (Many parents consider physical punishment wrong.)
3. Nach wiederholten Regelverstößen erfolgte die Bestrafung auf dem Fuße.
   (After repeated rule violations, the punishment followed immediately.)
4. Die Angst vor Bestrafung kann abschreckend wirken.
   (The fear of punishment can have a deterrent effect.)

💡 Context is Key: Using *Bestrafung*

"Die Bestrafung" is used when talking about consequences for negative or illegal actions. The term is often more formal than *"die Strafe"*, but it can also appear in everyday language, especially in educational contexts.

• Formal/Legal: In connection with laws, courts, and official sanctions. Example: Die Bestrafung von Kriegsverbrechen (The punishment of war crimes).
• Everyday/Educational: In connection with rules in the family, school, or workplace. Example: Als Bestrafung musste er sein Zimmer aufräumen (As punishment, he had to clean his room).
• Abstract: Sometimes used metaphorically. Example: Die Hitze war eine echte Bestrafung (The heat was a real punishment).

Difference from "Strafe": *"Strafe"* is often more general and can also refer to bad luck or misfortune ("Das ist die Strafe dafür, dass ich nicht aufgepasst habe." - *That's the punishment for not paying attention.*). *"Bestrafung"* usually refers more specifically to a measure imposed by an authority.

🧠 Memory Aids for *die Bestrafung*

Article Mnemonic: Feminine nouns in German often end in "-ung" (like *die Heizung* - heating, *die Rechnung* - bill, *die Meinung* - opinion). The same applies to die Bestrafung. Think: *Die* Ahnd*ung* (retribution), *die* Züchtig*ung* (chastisement) - these are all forms of *Bestrafung*!

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone being caught *'be'*fore they get away and receiving *'straf'*ing (like from a plane in old movies, meaning punishment) as a consequence. This leads to the *Bestrafung* (punishment).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but Misleading Words:

• Die Strafverfolgung: Prosecution; the process of investigation and indictment, not the punishment itself.
• Die Buße: Often a fine for a minor offense (*Bußgeld*), but can also have a religious meaning (penance, repentance).

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Wissen Sie, was Sie erwartet?"
Sagt der Angeklagte: "Ja, Freispruch!"
Richter: "Wirklich? Womit haben Sie den verdient?"
Angeklagter: "Mit guter Führung. Ich bin ja noch nie bestraft worden!"

--- Translation ---

The judge asks the defendant: "Do you know what awaits you?"
The defendant says: "Yes, acquittal!"
Judge: "Really? How did you earn that?"
Defendant: "With good behavior. I've never been punished before!"

✍️ Poem about *Bestrafung*

Wer Regeln bricht, wer Unrecht tut,
Dem droht oft fehlender Lebensmut.
Die Folgen kommen, klar und rein,
Die Bestrafung holt ihn ein.
Mal ist sie hart, mal ist sie lind,
Gerechtigkeit für jedes Kind?Ein Thema schwer, zum Denken viel,
Erreicht die Strafe je ihr Ziel?

--- Translation ---

Who breaks the rules, who does wrong,
Often faces lacking life's song.
The consequences come, clear and pure,
The punishment will him secure.
Sometimes it's harsh, sometimes it's mild,
Is justice there for every child?
A heavy topic, much to ponder,
Does punishment achieve its yonder (goal)?

❓ Riddle

Ich folge auf die schlechte Tat,
Bin oft vom Richter oder Staat.
Manchmal bin ich nur ein Tadel klein,
Manchmal sperr' ich jemanden ein.
Man fürchtet mich, man will mich nicht,
Ich sorge oft für Gleichgewicht.

Was bin ich? (... Die Bestrafung)

--- Translation ---

I follow the bad deed,
Am often from the judge or state decreed.
Sometimes I'm just a small reprimand,
Sometimes I lock someone up in the land.
People fear me, they want me not,
I often ensure balance is sought.

What am I?
(... Punishment / die Bestrafung)

Food for Thought

Word Composition

The word *"Bestrafung"* is a noun derived from the verb *"bestrafen"* (to punish).

• be-: A prefix often indicating an action upon an object (*jemanden/etwas bestrafen* - to punish someone/something).
• straf(en): The root word carrying the core meaning of punishing.
• -ung: A suffix that turns verbs into feminine nouns denoting the process or result of the action.

Trivia

The debate about the purpose and justification of *Bestrafung* is a central theme in philosophy, law, pedagogy, and psychology. Theories range from deterrence and retribution to rehabilitation (*Resozialisierung*).