embezzlement / concealment
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embezzlement
The unlawful appropriation of money or property entrusted to someone. It is a criminal offense that often occurs in a professional context.
Der Kassierer wurde wegen der Unterschlagung von Firmengeldern angeklagt.
The cashier was charged with the embezzlement of company funds.
The noun 'die Unterschlagung' (embezzlement/concealment) is derived from the verb 'unterschlagen' (to embezzle/to withhold). The ending '-ung' forms a feminine noun that describes the action or result of the verb.
Er wurde beschuldigt, Firmeneigentum unterschlagen zu haben.
He was accused of having embezzled company property.
This word belongs to formal language and is used mainly in legal, police, or business contexts. It is rather rare in everyday language.
Die Staatsanwaltschaft ermittelt wegen des Verdachts der Unterschlagung.
The public prosecutor's office is investigating on suspicion of embezzlement.
The context makes clear which meaning is intended. If it is about money or material assets, the criminal act is meant. If it is about information or documents, it means concealment.
Die Unterschlagung von einer Million Euro führte zur sofortigen Kündigung.
The embezzlement of one million euros led to immediate dismissal.
In legal and business contexts, 'Unterschlagung' (embezzlement) is often connected with the preposition 'von' and the item embezzled, for example 'Unterschlagung von Geldern' (embezzlement of funds) or 'Unterschlagung von Firmeneigentum' (embezzlement of company property).
Die Unterschlagung von Spendengeldern ist ein schwerer Vertrauensbruch.
The embezzlement of donation funds is a serious breach of trust.
fraud / cheating
'der Betrug' and 'die Unterschlagung' are both crimes and often have to do with money or property. They can be confused because in both cases someone does something unlawful in order to gain an advantage. With 'Betrug', deception is the central point: someone deliberately makes another person believe something false. With 'Unterschlagung', it is more about someone keeping or taking money or property that was entrusted to them. So if the lie is important, 'Betrug' fits; if entrusted property is kept, 'Unterschlagung' fits.
Die Firma prüft eine mögliche Unterschlagung von Kundengeldern.
The company is investigating a possible embezzlement of customer funds.
Der Betrug fiel auf, weil die Rechnungen gefälscht waren.
The fraud was discovered because the invoices had been forged.