A psychosexual disorder characterized by a primary or exclusive sexual interest in prepubescent children. Pedophilic acts are punishable by law in most countries.
example
Pädophilie ist ein komplexes Thema, das sowohl aus psychiatrischer als auch aus juristischer Sicht betrachtet werden muss.
Pedophilia is a complex topic that must be considered from both a psychiatric and a legal perspective.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is derived from Greek. The part 'Pädo-' comes from 'pais' (child), and '-philie' from 'philia' (inclination, love). The structure helps you understand the literal meaning.
EXAMPLE
Der Begriff setzt sich aus altgriechischen Wortstämmen zusammen.
The term is made up of Ancient Greek word roots.
Technical term
'Pädophilie' (pedophilia) is a clinical and legal technical term. It is rarely used in everyday or colloquial speech and describes a specific disorder, not a general inclination.
EXAMPLE
In der Psychologie wird Pädophilie als eine Paraphilie klassifiziert.
In psychology, pedophilia is classified as a paraphilia.
Word family
The word family includes the adjective 'pädophil' (pedophilic) and the person designation 'der/die Pädophile' (the pedophile). The noun 'Pädophilie' (pedophilia) describes the disorder itself.
EXAMPLE
Das Gericht muss feststellen, ob bei dem Angeklagten eine pädophile Neigung vorliegt.
The court must determine whether the defendant has a pedophilic inclination.
Compare with
confusable
Pädophilie vs Kindesmissbrauch
child abuse
'die Pädophilie' and 'der Kindesmissbrauch' belong to a very sensitive area, but they do not mean the same thing. 'Pädophilie' refers to a psychosexual disorder, that is, a sexual interest in prepubescent children. 'Kindesmissbrauch' refers to an act or behavior in which a child is harmed sexually, physically, or emotionally. The words can be confused because they sometimes occur in the same context. The important point is: 'Pädophilie' describes an inclination or disorder, while 'Kindesmissbrauch' describes abuse of a child.
Pädophilie
In der Fortbildung lernen Fachkräfte, wie sie mit dem Thema Pädophilie verantwortungsvoll umgehen.
In the training course, professionals learn how to deal responsibly with the topic of pedophilia.
Kindesmissbrauch
Der Verein hilft Betroffenen von Kindesmissbrauch und bietet vertrauliche Beratung an.
The organization helps people affected by child abuse and offers confidential counseling.