die / der  Tatverdächtige

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈtatfɛɐ̯ˌdɛçtɪɡə/

🕵️ What does Tatverdächtige/r mean?

The word Tatverdächtige refers to a person who is *suspected* of having committed a crime (eine Straftat). It's a *substantivized adjective* derived from tatverdächtig (*suspicious of a deed*).

There are two forms, depending on the gender of the person:

• der Tatverdächtige: Refers to a male person suspected of a crime.
• die Tatverdächtige: Refers to a female person suspected of a crime.

The plural form for a group of suspects (regardless of gender or mixed) is always die Tatverdächtigen.

🚨 Important: A tatverdächtige person is legally *not yet* found guilty. The presumption of innocence (die Unschuldsvermutung) applies.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📝 Grammar under the Microscope: Der and Die Tatverdächtige

Since 'Tatverdächtige(r)' is a *substantivized adjective*, it follows the *adjective declension* rules. It is declined differently depending on gender (*masculine/feminine*) and case (*Kasus*).

Example Sentences

1. Der Tatverdächtige wurde von der Polizei befragt.
   (The male suspect was questioned by the police.)
2. Die Aussage einer Tatverdächtigen war widersprüchlich.
   (The statement of a female suspect was contradictory.)
3. Die Polizei sucht nach weiteren Tatverdächtigen.
   (The police are looking for further suspects.)
4. Man muss die Rechte des Tatverdächtigen wahren.
   (One must respect the rights of the male suspect.)

🗣️ How to Use Tatverdächtige/r?

The term 'Tatverdächtige(r)' is primarily used in *legal contexts* (im juristischen Kontext) and in *media reporting* (in der Berichterstattung) like news or newspapers.

• Context: Preliminary investigations (Ermittlungsverfahren), police reports (Polizeiberichte), court proceedings (Gerichtsverfahren).
• Formality: It's a rather *formal* term. In everyday conversation, one might more likely say "der Verdächtige" (*the male suspect*) or "die Verdächtige" (*the female suspect*), although 'Tatverdächtige(r)' is more precise as it refers to a *specific deed* (eine spezifische Tat).
• Distinction: A Tatverdächtiger is someone against whom there is initial suspicion (Anfangsverdacht). A Beschuldigter (*accused*) is a suspect who is officially under investigation. An Angeklagter (*defendant*) is an accused person against whom the public prosecutor has filed charges.

Use der Tatverdächtige for men and die Tatverdächtige for women. The plural die Tatverdächtigen applies to all groups.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the article: Think of the base nouns: Der Mann (*the man*) is suspicious -> der Tatverdächtige. Die Frau (*the woman*) is suspicious -> die Tatverdächtige. For plural, it's always 'die Verdächtigen'.

For the meaning: Break down the word: Tat (*deed*, often negative) + verdächtig (*suspicious*). So, a Tatverdächtiger is someone *suspicious* of having committed a *deed*.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Caution - Avoid Confusion:

Do not confuse with Angeklagte(r) (*defendant*, person formally charged) or Verurteilte(r) (*convict*, person found guilty by final judgment).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Richter den Tatverdächtigen: "Gestehen Sie den Diebstahl der Äpfel?"
Antwortet der Tatverdächtige: "Nein, Herr Richter, ich habe nur Fallobst aufgesammelt!"
Richter: "Aha! Und wie hoch sind Sie dafür auf den Baum geklettert?"

Translation:
The judge asks the suspect: "Do you confess to stealing the apples?"
The suspect replies: "No, Your Honor, I only picked up fallen fruit!"
Judge: "I see! And how high did you have to climb the tree for that?"

📜 Poem about Suspicion

Im Schatten, leis und ungenau,
steht eine Frau, steht auch ein Mann.
Ein Blick, ein Wort, man weiß nicht schlau,
ob Schuld an ihnen haften kann.

Der Tatverdächtige, er schweigt,
Die Tatverdächtige, sie bangt.
Bis Wahrheit klar am Tage steigt,
der Zweifel an den Seelen klangt.

Die Tatverdächtigen im Raum,
erwarten, was geschehen mag.
Ein böser Traum, ein Justizbaum,
entscheidet über Nacht und Tag.

Translation:
In shadow, quiet and unclear,
stands a woman, stands a man as well.
A glance, a word, one doesn't know here,
if guilt upon them can yet dwell.

The male suspect, he stays silent,
The female suspect, she fears.
Until truth clearly sees the light,
doubt echoes in their souls and ears.

The suspects gathered in the room,
await whatever fate may bring.
A bad dream, or justice's loom,
decides 'twixt night and day's wing.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich steh' im Fokus, doch nicht gern,
bin männlich oder weiblich fern.
Man glaubt, ich hätt' die Tat vollbracht,
doch meine Schuld ist nicht erwacht.
Die Polizei hat mich im Blick,
wer bin ich, sag's mit einem Klick?

Translation:
I'm in focus, but not gladly,
I can be male or female, sadly.
They think I might have done the deed,
but my guilt hasn't yet been decreed.
The police keep an eye on me quick,
Who am I? Tell me with a click!

Solution: Der/Die Tatverdächtige (The suspect)

💡 Other Information

Word Composition

The word 'Tatverdächtige(r)' is composed of:

• Tat: the deed, the act, the crime
• verdächtig: suspicious, suspected
• The ending -e or -er comes from the *substantivization* of the adjective tatverdächtig.

Legal Note

In the German legal system, the term 'Tatverdächtiger' is a preliminary stage before 'Beschuldigter' (*accused*) and 'Angeklagter' (*defendant*). It marks the beginning of potential criminal proceedings but does not imply guilt.