Usage Note
Kronzeuge denotes a witness whose testimony is pivotal to the prosecution, often someone from inside a criminal organisation who cooperates with authorities in exchange for leniency. Used widely in crime journalism.
Examples
"Der Kronzeuge belastete mehrere hochrangige Mitglieder der Organisation."
Natural Translation
The key witness incriminated several high-ranking members of the organisation.
Literal Translation
The crown-witness burdened several high-ranking members of the organisation.
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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