maximum penalty
Loading your saved state.
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.
absolute worst
A situation or task perceived as extremely unpleasant or tedious. This meaning is figurative and colloquial.
Für ihn ist es die Höchststrafe, am Wochenende bei seinen Schwiegereltern zu sein.
For him, spending the weekend with his in-laws is the absolute worst.
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.
