bestrafen
to punish
To impose a punishment on someone for an offense, a crime, or misconduct.
EXAMPLE
Der Richter wird den Angeklagten für den Diebstahl bestrafen.
The judge will punish the defendant for the theft.
bestrafen
to punish
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Meanings
bestraft sein
to be punished
Colloquial for being in an unpleasant situation or having very bad luck, as if it were a punishment from fate.
EXAMPLE
Mit diesem ständigen Regen sind wir im Urlaub wirklich bestraft.
With this constant rain, we are really being punished on vacation.
Usage tips
Word structure
The verb 'bestrafen' (to punish) is inseparable and is derived directly from the noun 'die Strafe' (the punishment). The prefix 'be-' and the ending '-en' turn the noun into a verb.
EXAMPLE
Für dieses Vergehen droht eine hohe Strafe.
This offense carries the threat of a severe punishment.
Sentence structure with 'für'
The structure is almost always: someone (subject) punishes someone (accusative object) for something (prepositional object with 'für' + accusative). The preposition 'für' gives the reason for the punishment.
EXAMPLE
Die Eltern bestraften ihren Sohn für die schlechte Note.
The parents punished their son for the bad grade.
Colloquial use
This meaning is usually used passively with 'sein' (to be): 'mit etwas bestraft sein' (to be punished with something). It expresses that you are suffering from a very unfortunate situation, as if it were a punishment from fate.
EXAMPLE
Mit so einem lauten Nachbarn ist man wirklich bestraft.
With such a loud neighbor, you are really being punished.
Compare with
bestrafen vs verurteilen
to sentence / condemn
Both words can refer to a punishment. Verurteilen specifically describes the court's decision to impose a punishment; bestrafen is more general and focuses on the punishment imposed. A court therefore verurteilt someone to a punishment, while other people or institutions can also bestrafen someone.
bestrafen
Mit der Geldstrafe bestrafte das Gericht den Fahrer für das Vergehen.
The court punished the driver for the offense with a fine.
verurteilen
Das Gericht verurteilte den Fahrer wegen des Vergehens zu einer Geldstrafe.
The court sentenced the driver to a fine for the offense.
In real life
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