Angeklagter vs. Beklagter vs. Beschuldigter
The German words Angeklagter, Beklagter, and Beschuldigter are legal terms that refer to different persons in legal proceedings. While they may seem similar, they are used in distinct contexts within the German legal system.
Angeklagter
C1Angeklagter refers to a person who has been formally charged with a crime in court. This term is used during the trial phase when an indictment has been made against the individual.
Der Angeklagte erschien pünktlich vor Gericht.
(The defendant appeared in court on time.)
Der Richter hörte die Argumente des Angeklagten.
(The judge listened to the arguments of the accused.)
Beklagter
C1Beklagter refers to a defendant in civil law cases. It is a person against whom a legal claim or lawsuit has been filed, often in disputes over contracts, property, or damages.
Der Beklagte wurde wegen Vertragsbruch verklagt.
(The defendant was sued for breach of contract.)
Eine Einigung zwischen Kläger und Beklagtem wurde erzielt.
(A settlement was reached between the plaintiff and the defendant.)
Beschuldigter
B2Beschuldigter refers to a person who is suspected of committing an offense but has not yet been formally charged. This term is used during the investigative stage of criminal proceedings.
Der Beschuldigte wurde von der Polizei verhört.
(The suspect was interrogated by the police.)
Gegen den Beschuldigten laufen Ermittlungen.
(Investigations are ongoing against the suspect.)
Summary
The terms Angeklagter, Beklagter, and Beschuldigter are distinct legal designations in German law. Angeklagter refers to someone charged with a crime and facing a criminal trial. Beklagter is a defendant in a civil lawsuit. Beschuldigter is a suspect under investigation but not yet formally charged. Each term reflects a specific stage or type of legal proceedings.