die  Fluchtgefahr

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/flʊxtɡəˌfaːɐ̯/

❓ What does "die Fluchtgefahr" mean?

Die Fluchtgefahr is a German noun meaning the risk of absconding or risk of flight. It describes the assessed likelihood that a person (especially a suspect, defendant, or prisoner) will try to evade authorities by fleeing.

It's a crucial term in German criminal procedure law (Strafprozessrecht) and often determines whether someone is placed in pre-trial detention (Untersuchungshaft).

⚠️ There is only one article (die) and this one primary meaning for the word. It's a compound noun formed from die Flucht (escape, flight) and die Gefahr (danger, risk).

🧐 Grammar of "Fluchtgefahr" in Detail

The noun "Fluchtgefahr" is feminine. The definite article is die.

Note: Although the plural form "Fluchtgefahren" is grammatically correct, the word is most commonly used in the singular because it refers to an abstract concept (the existence of a risk).

Example Sentences

• Bei dem Angeklagten besteht hohe Fluchtgefahr.
  (There is a high risk of flight concerning the defendant.)
• Die Staatsanwaltschaft begründete den Haftantrag mit der angenommenen Fluchtgefahr.
  (The prosecution justified the detention request with the assumed risk of flight.)
• Aufgrund fehlender Fluchtgefahr wurde der Verdächtige auf freien Fuß gesetzt.
  (Due to a lack of flight risk, the suspect was released.)

⚖️ When and How to Use "Fluchtgefahr"?

"Fluchtgefahr" is a technical term primarily used in legal and police contexts:

• Criminal Procedure Law (Strafprozessrecht): It's one of the grounds for ordering pre-trial detention (Untersuchungshaft) according to § 112 of the German Code of Criminal Procedure (StPO). If Fluchtgefahr exists, a judge can decide to detain the accused until the trial.
• Police Work: Police assess the Fluchtgefahr during arrests or when monitoring individuals.
• Psychology/Psychiatry: Occasionally, the term might be used for patients who pose a risk of absconding from an institution.

In everyday language, the word is uncommon unless discussing criminal cases or legal matters.

Common phrases are: "Es besteht Fluchtgefahr" (There is a risk of flight) or "Die Fluchtgefahr ist hoch/gering" (The risk of flight is high/low).

🧠 Mnemonics for Fluchtgefahr

Article Mnemonic: The word ends in "-gefahr". The word die Gefahr (danger) is feminine, so die Fluchtgefahr is also feminine. Think: Die (she) poses a Gefahr (danger) of making a Flucht (flight/escape).

Meaning Mnemonic: Break it down: Flucht sounds like flight, and Gefahr sounds a bit like fear (of danger). Imagine the fear or danger that someone might take flight. Flucht + Gefahr = Risk of Flight.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

🚨 Potential Confusion: Don't confuse Fluchtgefahr with Fluchtursache (reason for fleeing, e.g., war) or Fluchtweg (escape route).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Besteht bei Ihnen Fluchtgefahr?"
Antwortet der Angeklagte: "Nur wenn das Essen im Gefängnis wirklich so schlecht ist, wie alle sagen!"

Translation:
The judge asks the defendant: "Are you a flight risk?"
The defendant replies: "Only if the prison food is really as bad as everyone says!"

📜 Poem about Fluchtgefahr

Mauern hoch, der Riegel schwer,
doch im Kopf, da flieht er sehr.
Der Richter prüft mit ernstem Blick,
besteht Gefahr, er kommt nicht zurück?
Ein Wort wiegt schwer im Raum,
die Fluchtgefahr, ein düstrer Traum
für den, der hofft auf Freiheit bald,
doch Justitia kennt keinen Halt.

Translation:
Walls high, the bolt heavy,
But in his head, he flees greatly.
The judge examines with a serious gaze,
Is there danger he won't return from his ways?
A word weighs heavy in the room,
The risk of flight, a gloomy doom
For the one who soon hopes for liberty,
But Justice knows no boundary.

🧩 Who or What Am I?

Ich bin ein Grund, warum Türen fest verschlossen bleiben,
und Richter Stirnen in tiefe Falten treiben.
Ich bin kein Mensch, doch sorge ich für Haft,
besteh' ich stark, schwindet die Freiheit rasch.
Ich setze mich aus Weglaufen und Risiko zusammen.

(Lösung/Solution: die Fluchtgefahr)

Translation:
I am a reason why doors stay firmly locked,
And make judges' foreheads deeply frocked (with wrinkles).
I am not human, yet I ensure detention,
If I exist strongly, freedom quickly lessens.
I am composed of running away and risk.

(Answer: die Fluchtgefahr / the risk of flight)

💡 Other Information

Word Composition (Wortzusammensetzung):

The word "Fluchtgefahr" is a compound noun (Kompositum) made up of two nouns:

• Die Flucht: The noun form of the verb "fliehen" (to flee, to escape).
• Die Gefahr: Meaning danger, risk, or peril.

This composition clearly illustrates the meaning: the danger (Gefahr) of (a) flight (Flucht).