culprit
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culprit
A person who has done something bad, forbidden, or criminal; a guilty party or offender.
Die Polizei konnte den Übeltäter kurz nach dem Diebstahl fassen.
The police were able to catch the culprit shortly after the theft.
culprit
In a figurative or joking sense, the cause of a problem or issue, even if it is not a person.
Nach langer Suche fanden wir den Übeltäter: ein loses Kabel hatte den Kurzschluss verursacht.
After a long search, we found the culprit: a loose cable had caused the short circuit.
'Übeltäter' is made up of 'übel' (bad, evil) and 'Täter' (someone who commits an act). So it literally means 'someone who does something bad'.
Die Nachbarn haben den Übeltäter auf frischer Tat ertappt.
The neighbors caught the culprit in the act.
When referring to a person, 'Übeltäter' (culprit) is often used with verbs like 'fassen' (to catch), 'schnappen' (to grab/catch), 'finden' (to find), or 'identifizieren' (to identify), which refer to apprehending a guilty party.
Die Polizei hofft, den Übeltäter bald zu fassen.
The police hope to catch the culprit soon.
In the figurative meaning, the 'Übeltäter' (culprit) is not a person, but the cause of a problem. This use is often slightly humorous or informal.
Der Drucker funktioniert nicht! Ah, das leere Papierfach ist der Übeltäter.
The printer isn’t working! Ah, the empty paper tray is the culprit.
perpetrator / culprit
Both words can name the person behind something bad or forbidden. Der Täter sounds objective and refers to a specific unlawful act. Der Übeltäter is more judgmental and often humorous; in a figurative sense, it can even refer to the cause of a problem. Der Täter fits a serious report, while der Übeltäter is more suitable in casual conversation.
Wer ist der Übeltäter, der die Fensterscheibe beim Ballspielen eingeschlagen hat?
Who is the culprit who smashed the windowpane while playing ball?
Die Polizei sucht den Täter, der absichtlich die Fensterscheibe eingeschlagen hat.
The police are looking for the perpetrator who deliberately smashed the windowpane.
