der Gesetzlose
outlaw
A person who lives outside the established legal system and does not obey the law.
EXAMPLE
Der Gesetzlose wurde wegen zahlreicher Raubüberfälle vom Sheriff gesucht.
The outlaw was wanted by the sheriff for numerous robberies.
der Gesetzlose
outlaw
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word formation
'Gesetzlose' (outlaw) is made up of 'Gesetz' (law) and '-los' (-less). The ending '-los' indicates the absence of something; as a term for a person, 'der Gesetzlose' (the outlaw) therefore refers to someone who is not bound by the established legal system.
EXAMPLE
In dem alten Roman wird ein Gesetzloser zum Helden der Geschichte.
In the old novel, an outlaw becomes the hero of the story.
Typical context
The word often appears in stories about the Wild West, historical gangs, or crime. Signal words in the surrounding context include 'Sheriff' (sheriff), 'Kopfgeld' (bounty), 'Bande' (gang), 'Verfolgung' (pursuit), and 'Versteck' (hideout).
EXAMPLE
Der Sheriff setzte ein Kopfgeld auf den Gesetzlosen aus.
The sheriff put a bounty on the outlaw.
Typical collocations
Common collocations include 'einen Gesetzlosen verfolgen' (to pursue an outlaw), 'einen Gesetzlosen suchen' (to search for an outlaw), and 'als Gesetzloser leben' (to live as an outlaw). The word often refers to a person whom government authorities are taking action against.
EXAMPLE
Die Soldaten verfolgten den Gesetzlosen bis in die Berge.
The soldiers pursued the outlaw into the mountains.
In real life
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