main suspect
die Hauptverdächtige, die Hauptverdächtigen
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main suspect
The person whom investigators consider the most likely perpetrator of a criminal offense.
Der Hauptverdächtige schweigt weiterhin zu den Vorwürfen.
The main suspect continues to remain silent about the allegations.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Hauptverdächtigen |
| genitive | der Hauptverdächtigen |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Hauptverdächtige | die Hauptverdächtigen |
| accusative | die Hauptverdächtige | die Hauptverdächtigen |
| dative | der Hauptverdächtigen | den Hauptverdächtigen |
| genitive | der Hauptverdächtigen | der Hauptverdächtigen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Hauptverdächtige' is made up of 'Haupt' (main) and 'Verdächtige' (suspect). 'Haupt' indicates that this person is the focus of the investigation and is more strongly suspected than other people.
Die Polizei konzentriert ihre Ermittlungen auf den Hauptverdächtigen.
The police are focusing their investigation on the main suspect.
'Hauptverdächtige' is often used with verbs related to investigations and law enforcement. Typical collocations include 'den Hauptverdächtigen festnehmen' (to arrest the main suspect), 'gegen den Hauptverdächtigen ermitteln' (to investigate the main suspect), and 'den Hauptverdächtigen vernehmen' (to interrogate the main suspect).
Nach neuen Beweisen nahm die Polizei den Hauptverdächtigen fest.
After new evidence emerged, the police arrested the main suspect.
The word is especially common in news reports, police reports, and legal texts. It indicates suspicion, not proven guilt; the presumption of innocence applies until a verdict is reached.
Die Staatsanwaltschaft ermittelt weiterhin gegen den Hauptverdächtigen.
The public prosecutor's office continues to investigate the main suspect.
