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Nachrede

defamation, slander; speaking ill of someone

noun NAKH-ray-de Rare
Communication Speech

Also means

posthumous tribute, eulogy (in formal contexts)

Usage Note

Üble Nachrede is a fixed legal phrase in German (§ 186 StGB) meaning defamation — saying false or disparaging things about someone behind their back. In non-legal use it often means gossip or bad-mouthing.

Examples

"Üble Nachrede kann in Deutschland rechtliche Konsequenzen haben."

Natural Translation

Defamation can have legal consequences in Germany.

Literal Translation

Bad after-speech can in Germany legal consequences have.

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