Beschuldigte
the accused; suspect (before formal charge)
noun be-SHOOL-dig-te Rare
Usage Note
Beschuldigte refers to a person who is suspected of a crime but has not yet been formally charged. Once charged, they become the Angeklagte. The distinction matters in German procedural law.
Examples
"Der Beschuldigte verweigerte die Aussage gegenüber der Polizei."
Natural Translation
The suspect refused to make a statement to the police.
Literal Translation
The accused refused the statement opposite the police.
Related Words
- Abmahnschreiben formal warning letter (demanding cessation of unlawful conduct)
- Abschiebung deportation
- Akteneinsicht access to files
- Amtsgericht local court
- Amtspflicht official duty; duty of care owed by a public official
- Anfechtungsklage action for annulment
- Angeklagte defendant
- Anhörung hearing; right to be heard (before a decision is made)
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