war crime
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war crime
A serious violation of international law committed during an armed conflict. Examples include attacks on civilians, torture, or the use of prohibited weapons.
Der Internationale Strafgerichtshof ermittelt wegen möglicher Kriegsverbrechen in der Region.
The International Criminal Court is investigating possible war crimes in the region.
The word is made up of 'Krieg' (war) and 'Verbrechen' (crime), connected with an 's'. So it literally means a crime that happens in war.
Die Zerstörung von Kulturgütern kann ein Kriegsverbrechen sein.
The destruction of cultural property can be a war crime.
In legal and political contexts, 'Kriegsverbrechen' (war crime) is very often used with the verb 'begehen' (to commit). Other typical verbs are 'untersuchen' (to investigate), 'ahnden' (to punish/prosecute), and 'anklagen' (to accuse/indict).
Soldaten, die Kriegsverbrechen begehen, müssen zur Verantwortung gezogen werden.
Soldiers who commit war crimes must be held accountable.
This word belongs to the formal technical language of international law, politics, and history. In everyday language, it is only used when reporting on armed conflicts.
In den Nachrichten wurde über neue Ermittlungen zu Kriegsverbrechen berichtet.
The news reported on new investigations into war crimes.
genocide
Both words can describe serious acts committed during a war. Völkermord specifically refers to the deliberate, systematic destruction of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group, whereas Kriegsverbrechen generally covers serious violations committed during an armed conflict. Use Völkermord only when this particular intent to destroy is present.
Der Angriff auf ein Krankenhaus während des Krieges gilt als Kriegsverbrechen.
The attack on a hospital during the war is considered a war crime.
Die systematische Zerstörung der ethnischen Gruppe wird als Völkermord bezeichnet.
The systematic destruction of the ethnic group is referred to as genocide.
