bribery
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bribery
The offering, giving, or accepting of money, gifts, or other benefits in order to induce a person in an official position to commit an unlawful act or make an unlawful decision.
Der Politiker wurde wegen Bestechung angeklagt und verurteilt.
The politician was charged with and convicted of bribery.
The noun 'die Bestechung' (bribery) comes from the verb 'bestechen' (to bribe). This is made up of 'be-' and 'stechen' (to sting/prick). The original idea was to figuratively 'sting' someone with money or benefits in order to influence them.
Er versuchte, den Beamten zu bestechen.
He tried to bribe the official.
Since 'Bestechung' (bribery) is a legal term, it often appears in fixed expressions from the legal field. Typical phrases are: 'jemanden der Bestechung anklagen' (to charge someone with bribery), 'wegen Bestechung verurteilt werden' (to be convicted of bribery), or 'der Versuch der Bestechung' (attempted bribery).
Der Bauunternehmer wurde der Bestechung überführt.
The building contractor was found guilty of bribery.
The word family includes the adjectives 'bestechlich' (someone who can be bribed) and the opposite 'unbestechlich' (someone who remains honest and does not accept money).
Der Richter galt als unbestechlich.
The judge was considered incorruptible.
corruption
'die Korruption' and 'die Bestechung' both have to do with dishonest behavior in positions of power. 'Bestechung' (bribery) is more specific: someone offers, gives, or accepts money, gifts, or advantages so that a decision is unfairly influenced. 'Korruption' (corruption) is broader and describes a whole system or behavior in which power is abused for personal gain. Bribery can be part of corruption. The words are easy to confuse because they often appear in the same news stories or political topics. When it is about the specific act involving money or gifts, 'Bestechung' is more precise. When it is about the larger problem, 'Korruption' fits better.
Der Beamte wurde wegen Bestechung angeklagt, weil er Geld angenommen hatte.
The official was charged with bribery because he had accepted money.
Die Zeitung berichtet über Korruption in der Stadtverwaltung.
The newspaper reports on corruption in the city administration.