A marked area in front of the goal on a soccer field. Fouls by the defending team in this area can lead to a penalty kick.
example
Der Stürmer wurde im Strafraum gefoult und der Schiedsrichter pfiff sofort Elfmeter.
The striker was fouled in the penalty area, and the referee immediately awarded a penalty.
Usage tips
Compound structure
The word is made up of 'Strafe' (punishment / penalty) and 'Raum' (space / area). So it is literally the 'area of punishment', because a foul by the defending team in this area leads to a particularly severe punishment: a penalty kick.
EXAMPLE
Der Verteidiger war vorsichtig, im Strafraum keinen Fehler zu machen.
The defender was careful not to make a mistake in the penalty area.
Movement or location
Pay attention to the preposition 'in' and the case. Movement into the area is expressed with the accusative ('in den Strafraum'), while a position or action inside the area requires the dative ('im Strafraum').
EXAMPLE
Der Stürmer läuft in den Strafraum.
The striker runs into the penalty area.
Typical collocations
In a soccer context, you often hear fixed combinations like 'in den Strafraum eindringen' (to enter the penalty area), 'eine Flanke in den Strafraum schlagen' (to put a cross into the penalty area), or 'jemanden im Strafraum foulen' (to foul someone in the penalty area).
EXAMPLE
Der Flügelspieler schlug eine gefährliche Flanke in den Strafraum.
The winger put a dangerous cross into the penalty area.