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.
criminal
'der Verbrecher' and 'der Gauner' both describe a person who does something dishonest or criminal. 'Verbrecher' is stronger and more general. It is about serious crimes, and the word fits well in contexts involving the police, courts, and the news. 'Gauner' is more likely to mean someone who tricks others or commits smaller criminal acts. The word often sounds less serious than 'Verbrecher' and can also feel somewhat colloquial in everyday language. Learners may confuse the words because both are negative. When it is about serious crime, 'Verbrecher' is more appropriate; when it is about fraud, tricks, or petty crime, 'Gauner' fits better.
Der Gauner verkaufte dem Touristen eine falsche Eintrittskarte.
The crook sold the tourist a fake admission ticket.
Der Verbrecher bekam eine lange Strafe, weil er mehrere Menschen verletzt hatte.
The criminal received a long sentence because he had injured several people.