die  Strafe

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃtʁaːfə/

🧐 What does "die Strafe" mean?

Die Strafe (feminine noun) means punishment or penalty. It refers to a measure imposed in response to undesirable behavior, a violation of rules, or a criminal offense. The goal is often deterrence (Abschreckung), atonement (Sühne), or reformation (Besserung).

• In a legal sense: A sanction (Sanktion) imposed by a court or authority for a crime (Straftat) or misdemeanor (Ordnungswidrigkeit), e.g., fine (Geldstrafe), imprisonment (Freiheitsstrafe).
• In an educational sense: A consequence (Konsequenz) for a child's misbehavior, e.g., grounding (Hausarrest), TV ban (Fernsehverbot).
• In a social/personal sense: A negative consequence resulting from one's own actions or perceived as such, e.g., "Das ist die Strafe dafür, dass ich nicht gelernt habe." (That's the punishment for not studying.).
• In sports: A penalty for breaking the rules, e.g., penalty kick (Elfmeter) as a Strafe for a foul in the penalty area; time penalty (Zeitstrafe).

⚠️ It's important to consider the context to understand the specific type of Strafe.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📝 Grammar in Detail: Die Strafe

The word "Strafe" is a feminine noun. The article is die.

Example Sentences

1. Der Richter verhängte eine hohe Strafe.
   (The judge imposed a heavy punishment/penalty. - Accusative Singular)
2. Die Angst vor der Strafe hielt ihn von der Tat ab.
   (The fear of the punishment kept him from the deed. - Dative Singular)
3. Die Summe der Strafen war beträchtlich.
   (The sum of the punishments/penalties was considerable. - Genitive Plural)
4. Viele kleine Strafen summieren sich.
   (Many small punishments add up. - Nominative Plural)

💡 How to Use "die Strafe"

"Die Strafe" is used in various contexts:

• Law: Here, the term is clearly defined and refers to legal sanctions (Sanktionen), like Geldstrafe (fine), Freiheitsstrafe (prison sentence), Fahrverbot (driving ban). Common phrases include "eine Strafe verbüßen" (to serve a sentence), "eine Strafe zur Bewährung aussetzen" (to suspend a sentence), or "eine Strafe erhalten/bekommen" (to receive a punishment).
• Upbringing: Parents or teachers use Strafen as disciplinary measures (Hausarrest - grounding, Fernsehverbot - TV ban). The term often has negative connotations, and modern educational concepts sometimes replace it with "logische Konsequenzen" (logical consequences).
• Sports: Sports have defined penalties (Strafen) for rule violations (Zeitstrafe - time penalty, Rote Karte - red card, Strafstoß/Elfmeter - penalty kick).
• Everyday Language: Often used metaphorically to describe unpleasant consequences of one's actions or simply a tedious task ("Diese Hitze ist eine echte Strafe!" - *This heat is real punishment!*). Idioms like "Das muss zur Strafe sein!" (*That must be punishment!* / *Serves me right!*) express annoyance or frustration.

Comparison: While die Strafe is often a formal or clearly defined consequence, die Sanktion can be broader (e.g., economic sanctions). Die Buße or das Bußgeld usually refers to minor offenses (Ordnungswidrigkeiten) and is often financial.

🧠 Memory Aids for "die Strafe"

Article Mnemonic: Remember, punishment is often decreed by 'her' (feminine 'die') authority – like a strict judge or mother giving DIE Strafe. Or think: you might want to DIE to avoid DIE Strafe.

Meaning Mnemonic: "Strafe" sounds a bit like the English word "strife", which can certainly result from punishment. You can also think of the 'stripes' someone might receive as a punishment (though Züchtigung is more specific for corporal punishment).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar, but Different Words:

• Der Strafzettel: (Parking ticket/fine notice) The piece of paper demanding a Bußgeld (a type of Strafe).
• Strafbar (adjective): (Punishable) Describes an action that can be legally punished.

😄 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Warum haben Sie das Auto gestohlen?" Antwortet der Angeklagte: "Ich musste schnell zur Gerichtsverhandlung wegen Autodiebstahls!" Richter: "Das gibt eine extra Strafe wegen Dummheit!"

English Translation: The judge asks the defendant: "Why did you steal the car?" The defendant replies: "I had to get to my court hearing for car theft quickly!" Judge: "That deserves an extra punishment for stupidity!"

📜 Poem about Strafe

German:
Wer Regeln bricht mit frechem Mut,
Dem folgt die Strafe auf dem Fuß.
Mal ist sie kurz, mal dauert's lang,
Ein harter Richter, streng und bang.
Doch manchmal lehrt sie, klar und rein,
Lass Unrecht besser einfach sein.

English Translation:
Whoever breaks rules with cheeky courage,
Is followed by punishment close on their heels.
Sometimes it's short, sometimes it takes long,
A harsh judge, strict and anxious.
But sometimes it teaches, clear and pure,
Better just leave injustice alone for sure.

🧩 Little Riddle

German:
Ich folge oft auf böse Tat,
Bin unbeliebt bei früh und spat.
Im Gerichtssaal bin ich bekannt,
Auch Eltern nutzen mich im Land.

Was bin ich?

English Translation:
I often follow a bad deed,
Am unpopular early and late indeed.
In the courtroom, I am known,
Parents also use me, it is shown.

What am I?
(Solution: die Strafe / punishment)

📌 Additional Information

Word Compounds (Wortzusammensetzungen): "Strafe" forms many compound words in German, especially in the legal field:

• Strafgesetzbuch (StGB): The Penal Code.
• Strafverfahren: Criminal proceedings.
• Strafmaß: The extent or severity of the punishment.
• Strafmündigkeit: Age of criminal responsibility.
• Geldstrafe: Fine (monetary penalty).
• Freiheitsstrafe / Haftstrafe: Prison sentence / Custodial sentence.
• Todesstrafe: Death penalty (abolished in Germany, but historically and internationally relevant).

Etymology: The word "Strafe" comes from Middle High German "strāfe", which originally meant "rebuke, reprimand, penance".