01
ungestraft
unpunished
Without being punished for an act, a crime, or misconduct.
example
Es kann nicht sein, dass solche Vergehen ungestraft bleiben.
It cannot be the case that such offenses go unpunished.
ungestraft
unpunished
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of the prefix 'un-' (not) and 'gestraft' (past participle of 'strafen', to punish). It therefore literally means 'not punished'.
EXAMPLE
Der Dieb konnte mit dem Geld ungestraft entkommen.
The thief was able to escape with the money unpunished.
Mostly as an adverb
'Ungestraft' (unpunished) is mostly used as an adverb. It then describes a verb and answers the question 'How?'. It often appears with verbs such as 'bleiben' (to remain) or 'davonkommen' (to get away with it).
EXAMPLE
Solch ein Verhalten darf nicht ungestraft bleiben.
Such behavior must not go unpunished.
Typical collocation
A very common and fixed expression is 'ungestraft davonkommen' (to get away unpunished). It means not having to face any consequences for a bad act or a crime.
EXAMPLE
Der Betrüger ist leider ungestraft davongekommen.
Unfortunately, the fraudster got away unpunished.
Compare with
ungestraft vs straffrei
not punishable / without convictions
'ungestraft' and 'straffrei' both have to do with punishment. 'ungestraft' says that someone is not punished for something, even though the action may be wrong or forbidden. 'straffrei' sounds more strongly connected to law and legislation: an action is not punishable by law, or a person has no prior convictions. Learners may confuse the words because both can mean 'without punishment'. In practice: for a specific act, 'ungestraft' often fits; for a legal assessment or prior convictions, 'straffrei' is more likely.
ungestraft
Der Dieb konnte nicht ungestraft davonkommen.
The thief could not get away unpunished.
straffrei
Nach dem Gesetz bleibt diese Handlung in bestimmten Fällen straffrei.
Under the law, this action is not punishable in certain cases.
In real life
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