accomplice
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accomplice
A person who commits a criminal offense together with one or more other people. In the legal sense, a 'Mittäter' (accomplice) is equally involved in the planning and execution of the crime.
Die Polizei konnte den Haupttäter festnehmen, sucht aber noch nach zwei Mittätern.
The police were able to arrest the main perpetrator, but are still looking for two accomplices.
The word consists of the prefix 'Mit-' and the noun 'Täter' (perpetrator). The prefix 'Mit-' always means 'together' or 'jointly', so a 'Mittäter' (accomplice) is someone who commits the act together with others.
Der Fahrer des Fluchtautos gilt als Mittäter.
The driver of the getaway car is considered an accomplice.
The word belongs to a word family related to the topic of crime. Important related words are 'die Tat' (the criminal act) and 'der Täter' (the person who commits the act).
Die Tat wurde von einem Haupttäter und einem Mittäter geplant.
The crime was planned by a main perpetrator and an accomplice.
This word is used almost exclusively in legal contexts or in reporting on crime. You find it in police reports, court reports, and news articles.
Die Staatsanwaltschaft hat Anklage gegen den Täter und seine beiden Mittäter erhoben.
The public prosecutor's office has brought charges against the perpetrator and his two accomplices.
accomplice
Both words can refer to a person involved in a crime. A Mittäter commits the crime jointly and on an equal footing with others; Komplize is broader and can also refer to someone who only helps with planning or carrying out the crime. Use Mittäter when someone commits the crime jointly, and Komplize for supportive or generally criminal involvement.
Der Mittäter brach gemeinsam mit seinem Freund in das Haus ein.
The accomplice broke into the house together with his friend.
Der Komplize wartete im Auto und half damit beim Einbruch.
The accomplice waited in the car, thereby helping with the burglary.
