crook
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crook
A dishonest person, a fraudster, or petty criminal who uses tricks to deprive others of their money or property.
Der angebliche Handwerker war ein Gauner, der nur das Geld kassiert hat und nie wieder auftauchte.
The supposed handyman was a crook who just took the money and never showed up again.
The matching noun for the act of a 'Gauner' (crook) is 'die Gaunerei' (swindle/scam). It describes a fraudulent or thieving act.
Er wurde wegen wiederholter Gaunereien angezeigt.
He was reported for repeated scams.
'Gauner' (crook) is often combined with adjectives that describe what kind of person he is. Typical phrases are 'ein kleiner Gauner' (a small-time crook), 'ein dreister Gauner' (a brazen crook), or 'ein gerissener Gauner' (a cunning crook).
Pass auf, das ist ein gerissener Gauner, der dich nur austricksen will.
Watch out, he's a cunning crook who just wants to trick you.
The word 'Gauner' (crook) often has a slightly narrative or downplaying tone. It is frequently used for con artists or petty criminals, less often for serious violent offenders.
In dem alten Kriminalroman jagt der Kommissar einen cleveren Gauner durch die Stadt.
In the old crime novel, the detective chases a clever crook through the city.
fraudster / scammer
Both words can refer to a person who deliberately deprives others of money or property. Betrüger is the neutral and precise term. Gauner sounds more colloquial and clearly derogatory, and can also refer more generally to a dishonest petty criminal.
Dieser Gauner hat mehrere ältere Menschen um ihr Geld gebracht!
That crook has cheated several older people out of their money!
Die Polizei sucht einen Betrüger, der mehrere ältere Menschen um ihr Geld gebracht hat.
The police are looking for a fraudster who has cheated several older people out of their money.
