die  Strafverfolgung

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃtʁaːfˌfɛʁˌfɔlʊŋ/

📜 What does "die Strafverfolgung" mean?

Die Strafverfolgung refers to the entirety of state measures aimed at investigating criminal offenses and identifying and legally prosecuting suspected perpetrators. In Germany, this is primarily carried out by the public prosecutor's office (Staatsanwaltschaft) and the police (Polizei).

It's a central term in the German legal system. The word is always feminine and therefore always used with the article "die".

• Core meaning: The activity of authorities (prosecutor, police) to investigate and punish criminal acts. Often translated as criminal prosecution.
• Goal: Ensuring that crimes are solved and perpetrators are held accountable (indictment, court proceedings).

🚨 There are no different meanings based on the article, as only "die" is correct.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar & Declension of Strafverfolgung

"Strafverfolgung" is a feminine noun. It's mostly used in the singular because it often describes an abstract process. A plural form ("die Strafverfolgungen") is grammatically possible but rare, referring to multiple specific prosecution cases or processes.

Declension Singular

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die Strafverfolgung in diesem Fall gestaltet sich schwierig.
   (The criminal prosecution in this case is proving difficult.)
2. Die Aufgabe der Strafverfolgung liegt bei der Staatsanwaltschaft.
   (The task of criminal prosecution lies with the public prosecutor's office.)
3. Er entzog sich der Strafverfolgung durch Flucht ins Ausland.
   (He evaded criminal prosecution by fleeing abroad.)
4. Die Behörden nahmen die Strafverfolgung auf.
   (The authorities initiated the criminal prosecution.)

💡 How is "Strafverfolgung" used?

The term "Strafverfolgung" is primarily used in legal and administrative contexts. It is discussed in relation to:

• Crime and offenses
• Police investigations (polizeiliche Ermittlungen)
• The work of the public prosecutor's office (Staatsanwaltschaft)
• Court proceedings (Gerichtsverfahren) - as a preceding or accompanying process
• Legislation and legal policy (Gesetzgebung und Rechtspolitik)

Distinction from similar terms:

• Strafverfahren: Refers to the entire judicial process from indictment to verdict. Strafverfolgung often denotes the preceding part (investigations, indictment). Means criminal proceedings.
• Strafvollzug: Refers to the execution of the sentence imposed (e.g., imprisonment). This happens after successful prosecution and conviction. Means execution of sentence or penal system.
• Ermittlungsverfahren: Is part of the Strafverfolgung, focusing on gathering evidence and identifying suspects. Means investigative proceedings.

You'll often encounter the term in news reports, legal texts, and political discussions about security and justice.

🧠 Mnemonics for Strafverfolgung

Article Mnemonic for "die" Strafverfolgung

Think: Prosecution is often a process or an action, and many German nouns ending in "-ung" (indicating an action or result) are feminine (die Verfolgung - the pursuit, die Untersuchung - the investigation). So, it's die Strafverfolgung.

Meaning Mnemonic

Break it down: Strafe (punishment) + Verfolgung (pursuit/prosecution). It's about the state 'pursuing' someone legally for the purpose of potential 'punishment'. Think of the 'pursuit of punishment'.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but distinct terms:

• Strafvollzug: (Execution of sentence, penal system) - Carrying out the punishment (e.g., in prison) after conviction. Not the prosecution itself.
• Strafanzeige: (Criminal complaint) - Reporting a crime to the authorities, which can trigger the Strafverfolgung.

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Warum sind Sie vor der Polizei geflohen?" Antwortet der Angeklagte: "Herr Richter, mein Anwalt hat mir geraten, der Strafverfolgung aus dem Weg zu gehen!"

English: The judge asks the defendant: "Why did you flee from the police?" The defendant answers: "Your Honor, my lawyer advised me to avoid prosecution!"

✒️ Poem about Strafverfolgung

German:
Wo Unrecht keimt und Schatten droht,
Tritt sie auf den Plan, kennt kein Verbot.
Die Strafverfolgung, wachsam, klar,
Sucht Wahrheit, Fakten, Jahr für Jahr.

Mit Aktenbergen, Paragraphen schwer,
Folgt sie der Spur, kommt immer näher.
Für Recht und Ordnung, Schutz und Ruh',
Schließt sie des Übeltäters Buch oft zu.

English Translation:
Where injustice sprouts and shadows loom,
It steps onto the scene, knows no forbiddance room.
Criminal prosecution, watchful, clear,
Seeks truth and facts, year after year.

With files piled high, paragraphs severe,
It follows the trail, drawing ever near.
For law and order, safety's due,
It often closes the wrongdoer's book for good and true.

❓ Riddle

German:
Ich jage, doch kein Wild im Wald.
Ich suche, doch kein Gold, kein Schhalt.
Ich folge Spuren, Tag und Nacht,
Hab Täter vor Gericht gebracht.
Ich bin des Staates starker Arm,
Halte die Bürger sicher, warm.
Mit Polizei und Staatsanwalt,
Sorg' ich, dass Recht im Lande wallt.

Wer bin ich?

English Translation:
I hunt, but no game in the wood.
I seek, but no gold, no treasure good.
I follow traces, day and night,
Have brought offenders to court's light.
I am the state's strong arm,
Keep citizens safe and warm.
With police and prosecutor's might,
I ensure justice shines so bright.

What am I?

🧩 Additional Details

Word Composition

"Strafverfolgung" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Strafe (die) - punishment, penalty
• Verfolgung (die) - pursuit, persecution, prosecution

The meaning derives directly from its components: the pursuit for the purpose of punishment.

Key Players

The central institutions for criminal prosecution in Germany are the Strafverfolgungsbehörden (law enforcement agencies / prosecuting authorities):

• Staatsanwaltschaft: (Public prosecutor's office) - Leads the investigation, files charges ("mistress of the investigation proceedings").
• Polizei: (Police) - Conducts investigations on behalf of the public prosecutor's office.
• (Customs - Zoll - and tax investigation - Steuerfahndung - can also act as prosecuting authorities in specific areas.)