criminal investigation
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criminal investigation
In a legal context, the entirety of the investigations carried out by the public prosecutor's office or the police to determine whether a criminal offense has been committed and who the perpetrator is.
Gegen den Verdächtigen wurde ein Ermittlungsverfahren eingeleitet.
A criminal investigation was opened against the suspect.
The word is composed of 'Ermittlung' (investigation, from 'ermitteln' — to investigate) and 'Verfahren' (process/proceedings). So it literally describes an investigation process.
Das Ermittlungsverfahren kann mehrere Monate dauern.
The criminal investigation can take several months.
In a legal context, an 'Ermittlungsverfahren' (criminal investigation) is 'eingeleitet' (opened), 'geführt' (conducted), or 'eingestellt' (closed/discontinued).
Die Staatsanwaltschaft hat das Ermittlungsverfahren aus Mangel an Beweisen eingestellt.
The public prosecutor's office closed the criminal investigation due to lack of evidence.
To name the person who is being investigated, you use the preposition 'gegen' (against) with the accusative.
Es läuft ein Ermittlungsverfahren gegen den ehemaligen Manager.
There is a criminal investigation ongoing against the former manager.
investigation / examination
'Untersuchung' and 'Ermittlungsverfahren' can both have to do with clarifying a possible criminal offense. However, 'Untersuchung' is much more general. It can refer to the police, research, medicine, or a detailed analysis. 'Ermittlungsverfahren' is a legal term. It refers to the official procedure carried out by the police or public prosecutor's office when they are checking whether a criminal offense has occurred and who is responsible. Learners may confuse the words because many investigations take place within an 'Ermittlungsverfahren'. For a general process, you say 'Untersuchung'. When it is clearly about criminal law and authorities, 'Ermittlungsverfahren' is more precise.
Nach der Anzeige wurde ein Ermittlungsverfahren gegen den Fahrer eingeleitet.
After the report was filed, a criminal investigation was opened against the driver.
Die Untersuchung des Brandes dauerte mehrere Wochen.
The investigation into the fire lasted several weeks.