die  Straftat

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃtʁaːfˌtaːt/

⚖️ What Exactly is a 'Straftat'?

Die Straftat (feminine, plural: die Straftaten) refers to an act or action that violates a current criminal law (Strafgesetz) and can therefore be legally punished. It's a central term in criminal law (Strafrecht).

An act becomes a Straftat if it fulfills the elements of a statutory criminal offense (Tatbestandsmäßigkeit), is unlawful (rechtswidrig, meaning no grounds for justification exist), and the perpetrator acted culpably (schuldhaft).

A distinction is often made between Vergehen (misdemeanors, less serious offenses) and Verbrechen (felonies, more serious offenses, usually punishable by a minimum prison sentence of one year).

🚨 Attention: Not every undesirable or immoral action is automatically a Straftat. A specific law must always be violated.

📝 Grammar of 'die Straftat' in Detail

The word "Straftat" is a feminine noun. The article is always die.

Example Sentences

1. Die Polizei untersucht die mutmaßliche Straftat.
   (The police are investigating the alleged criminal offense.)
2. Er wurde wegen mehrerer Straftaten angeklagt.
   (He was charged with several criminal offenses.)
3. Das Gericht muss prüfen, ob eine Straftat vorliegt.
   (The court must determine if a criminal offense exists.)
4. Diebstahl ist eine häufige Straftat.
   (Theft is a common criminal offense.)

🗣️ Usage in Daily Life and Specialized Language

The term die Straftat is mainly used in legal contexts and in the news when reporting on crimes or legal violations.

• Legal Context: In laws (Gesetze), court judgments (Gerichtsurteile), indictments (Anklageschriften), and legal publications, "Straftat" is the precise and common term.
• Media & News: Newspapers, online articles, and news broadcasts use the word to report on criminal acts (e.g., "Eine schwere Straftat erschütterte die Stadt." - "A serious crime shook the city.").
• Everyday Language: In everyday conversation, people might also talk about "Verbrechen" (crime), "Delikt" (offense), "Gaunerei" (crookery), or "krummes Ding" (shady deal), depending on the severity and context. "Straftat" sounds more formal and precise.

⚠️ Distinction: An Ordnungswidrigkeit (administrative offense, e.g., illegal parking) is not a Straftat but a minor violation, usually punished with a fine (Bußgeld).

🧠 Mnemonics for 'die Straftat'

• Article Mnemonic (die): Think of the punishment, die Strafe. A Straftat usually results in a punishment (Strafe). Both words are feminine: die Strafe -> die Straftat.

• Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone performs an act or deed (Tat) that deserves a punishment (Strafe). Put together, it becomes: Straf + Tat = Straftat (punishment-act).

🔁 Synonyms & Antonyms

😄 A Little Joke

Richter: "Angeklagter, warum haben Sie statt der Brieftasche nur das Foto der Frau daraus gestohlen?"
Angeklagter: "Herr Richter, ich wollte zwar eine Straftat begehen, aber Bigamie nun wirklich nicht!"

Translation:

Judge: "Defendant, why did you only steal the wife's photo from the wallet instead of the wallet itself?"
Defendant: "Your Honor, I intended to commit a criminal offense (Straftat), but certainly not bigamy!"

📜 Poem about the Straftat

Im Schatten, leis' und ungesehn,
kann schnell eine Straftat geschehn.
Ein Griff, ein Wort, ein falscher Schritt,
das Recht gebrochen, Stück für Stück. Doch wachsam ist das Strafgesetz,
verfolgt die Spur, kennt kein Geschwätz.
Ob groß, ob klein, ob arm, ob reich,
die Folgen treffen alle gleich.

Translation:

In shadow, quiet and unseen,
A criminal offense (Straftat) can quickly convene.
A grab, a word, a step astray,
The law is broken, bit by bit each day. But watchful is the criminal code,
Follows the trail, bears no light load.
Whether big or small, or poor or rich,
The consequences affect all in the ditch.

❓ Riddle

Ich bin im Gesetzbuch zu Haus,
mancher begeht mich im Saus und Braus.
Die Polizei jagt mich Tag und Nacht,
wer mich begeht, wird vor Gericht gebracht.

Was bin ich?
(Lösung/Solution: die Straftat)

Translation:

I have my home in the law book,
Some commit me with a wild look.
The police chase me day and night,
Whoever commits me is brought to court's light.

What am I?
(Answer: die Straftat / the criminal offense)

🧩 Word Components & Trivia

Word Composition:

The word "Straftat" is a compound noun (Kompositum), made up of:

• Strafe (die): Punishment, the legal sanction or penalty for misconduct.
• Tat (die): Act, deed, action, an execution of an action.

Together, it literally describes an "act that entails punishment".

Trivia:

German criminal law (Strafrecht) contains a multitude of specific criminal offenses defined in the Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch - StGB) and supplementary laws. The precise definition and delimitation of Straftaten are subjects of intense legal debate and development.