01
hinrichten
to execute
To deliberately kill a person on the basis of a death sentence or by order of an authority.
example
Der Verurteilte wurde im Morgengrauen hingerichtet.
The convicted man was executed at dawn.
hinrichten
to execute
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Meanings
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Hinrichten' is a separable verb. The prefix 'hin-' goes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Der König richtete seine Feinde hin.
The king executed his enemies.
Word formation
The verb consists of the prefix 'hin-' and the verb 'richten'. 'Richten' can mean 'urteilen' (to judge), and 'hin-' describes movement toward a goal. Together, this produces the meaning of bringing someone to their final judgment.
EXAMPLE
Der Soldat weigerte sich, den Befehl auszuführen und die Zivilisten hinzurichten.
The soldier refused to carry out the order and execute the civilians.
Context of use
This word is used exclusively in the context of the death penalty. It describes the killing of a person based on an official verdict or order, not just any killing.
EXAMPLE
In vielen Ländern wurde die Todesstrafe abgeschafft und niemand wird mehr hingerichtet.
In many countries, the death penalty has been abolished and no one is executed anymore.
Compare with
hinrichten vs töten
to kill
'töten' and 'hinrichten' both have to do with a person's death. 'töten' is the general word: someone or something causes a person or animal to die. 'hinrichten' is much more specific. It means that a person is deliberately killed on command or after a death sentence. So the word fits contexts such as courts, the state, war, or power. You can kill someone without executing them. But every execution is a form of killing.
hinrichten
Der Gefangene wurde nach dem Urteil hingerichtet.
The prisoner was executed after the verdict.
töten
Ein schwerer Stromschlag kann einen Menschen töten.
A severe electric shock can kill a person.
In real life
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