maximum penalty
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maximum penalty
The most severe punishment that the law provides for a specific crime, for example a life sentence.
Der Angeklagte wurde wegen Mordes zur Höchststrafe verurteilt.
The defendant was sentenced to the maximum penalty for murder.
The word is made up of 'höchst' (superlative of 'hoch', high) and 'Strafe' (punishment). So it literally means the 'highest penalty' possible.
Die Öffentlichkeit diskutierte, ob die Höchststrafe in diesem Fall angemessen war.
The public discussed whether the maximum penalty was appropriate in this case.
The context makes the meaning clear. In a legal or police context, the literal, legal punishment is meant. In everyday, personal statements, it is the colloquial, figurative meaning.
Auf Hochverrat steht die Höchststrafe.
High treason carries the maximum penalty.
In a legal context, there are fixed collocations. Typical ones are: 'die Höchststrafe fordern' (to demand the maximum penalty), 'jemanden zur Höchststrafe verurteilen' (to sentence someone to the maximum penalty), or 'auf ein Verbrechen steht die Höchststrafe' (a crime carries the maximum penalty).
Die Staatsanwaltschaft forderte für den Täter die Höchststrafe.
The prosecution demanded the maximum penalty for the perpetrator.
This meaning is a colloquial exaggeration. It is used to express that you find a situation or activity extremely unpleasant.
Mit Leuten über Politik zu diskutieren, ist für ihn die Höchststrafe.
For him, discussing politics with people is the absolute worst.
punishment / penalty
'die Strafe' and 'die Höchststrafe' are closely related because both can be a negative consequence for wrong behavior. 'Strafe' is the general word and can be mild or severe. 'Höchststrafe' means the most severe possible punishment, especially in a legal sense. Colloquially, 'Höchststrafe' can also mean an extremely unpleasant situation, similar to 'Das ist eine Strafe' (That is real punishment), but stronger. You might confuse the words if you simply mean 'a punishment'. 'Höchststrafe' only fits when you really mean the maximum, or a very strong exaggeration.
Für dieses schwere Verbrechen fordert die Staatsanwältin die Höchststrafe.
For this serious crime, the prosecutor is calling for the maximum penalty.
Wegen des Falschparkens bekam Lisa eine Strafe von 30 Euro.
Lisa received a 30-euro penalty for parking illegally.