charge / prosecution / accusation
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charge
The formal legal accusation by the public prosecutor's office that a person has committed a crime. This is the beginning of court proceedings.
Die Staatsanwaltschaft erhob Anklage wegen schweren Betrugs.
The public prosecutor's office brought charges for serious fraud.
'Die Anklage' (charge/prosecution/accusation) is the noun corresponding to the verb 'anklagen' (to accuse). Both words have the stem 'klagen', which means 'to complain' or 'to sue in court.' The prefix 'an-' directs the complaint or charge directly against a person.
Er wurde wegen Diebstahls angeklagt.
He was charged with theft.
In a legal context, an 'Anklage' (charge) is not 'made' in German, but 'raised.' The fixed phrase is 'Anklage erheben' (to bring charges).
Die Staatsanwaltschaft wird nächste Woche Anklage gegen den Verdächtigen erheben.
The public prosecutor's office will bring charges against the suspect next week.
You bring charges 'gegen' a person (accusative) and 'wegen' a crime (genitive). These two prepositions are essential for correct sentences.
Gegen den Manager wurde Anklage wegen Steuerhinterziehung erhoben.
Charges were brought against the manager for tax evasion.
When 'die Anklage' (the prosecution) appears as an actor in a court case and verbs such as 'fordern' (to demand) or 'plädieren' (to plead/argue) are used, it means the public prosecutor's office as a party to the proceedings. In this case, the word usually appears without an adjective and with the definite article.
Die Anklage forderte eine lebenslange Haftstrafe für den Täter.
The prosecution demanded a life sentence for the offender.
Outside the courtroom, 'Anklage' (accusation/indictment) describes sharp criticism. In this case, it is often used with 'gegen' (against) and an abstract concept, e.g. 'eine Anklage gegen die Gesellschaft' (an indictment of society).
Der Film ist eine emotionale Anklage gegen die Ungerechtigkeit in der Welt.
The film is an emotional indictment of injustice in the world.
criticism / review
'die Kritik' and 'die Anklage' can both express that someone finds something wrong or accuses someone of something. However, 'Kritik' is broader and often less strong. It points out mistakes or weaknesses, for example in a piece of work, a decision, or someone’s behavior. 'Anklage' sounds much stronger. In legal contexts, it means a formal charge in court. Outside court, it means a very sharp, often public accusation. For normal feedback or complaints, 'Kritik' usually fits. 'Anklage' fits when the accusation seems very serious or official.
Vor Gericht verliest die Staatsanwältin die Anklage.
In court, the public prosecutor reads out the charge.
Die Kritik an dem neuen Plan war deutlich, aber sachlich.
The criticism of the new plan was clear but objective.