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Haftstrafe

custodial sentence; prison term

noun HAHFT-shtra-fe Rare

Usage Note

Haftstrafe refers specifically to a sentence involving imprisonment, contrasted with Geldstrafe (fine) or Bewährungsstrafe (suspended sentence). Used in news and court reporting: zu einer Haftstrafe verurteilt werden.

Examples

"Der Angeklagte wurde zu einer Haftstrafe von drei Jahren verurteilt."

Natural Translation

The defendant was sentenced to a prison term of three years.

Literal Translation

The accused was to a prison-sentence of three years sentenced.

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