die Untreue
infidelity
The breaking of sexual or emotional faithfulness in a relationship; adultery or cheating.
EXAMPLE
Er konnte ihr die Untreue nicht verzeihen und trennte sich von ihr.
He could not forgive her infidelity and broke up with her.
die Untreue
infidelity / breach of trust
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Meanings
die Untreue
breach of trust
A legal term for a criminal offense in which someone abuses asset management entrusted to them and thereby causes financial damage.
EXAMPLE
Der Geschäftsführer wurde wegen Untreue in Millionenhöhe angeklagt.
The managing director was charged with breach of trust involving millions.
die Untreue
disloyalty
In a general sense, disloyalty or a lack of devotion toward a person, cause, or principle.
EXAMPLE
Die Partei warf ihm politische Untreue vor, nachdem er seine Meinung öffentlich geändert hatte.
The party accused him of political disloyalty after he publicly changed his opinion.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'Untreue' consists of the prefix 'un-' and the noun 'Treue' (loyalty, devotion). So it literally means a lack of faithfulness or loyalty.
EXAMPLE
Sein Verrat wurde als ein Akt der Untreue gesehen.
His betrayal was seen as an act of disloyalty.
Context clue
Pay attention to the context to recognize the meaning. If it is about relationships, 'Untreue' (infidelity, m01) is meant. If it is about finances and law, the legal term (m02) is meant.
EXAMPLE
Ihre Beziehung zerbrach an seiner Untreue.
Their relationship fell apart because of his infidelity.
Typical verbs
In the context of relationships, 'Untreue' is often used with certain verbs: one can 'Untreue begehen' (commit infidelity), 'gestehen' (confess), or 'verzeihen' (forgive) someone for it.
EXAMPLE
Er hat ihr seine Untreue nach vielen Jahren gestanden.
He confessed his infidelity to her after many years.
Register
In the meaning of misusing entrusted assets, 'Untreue' is a legal technical term. You therefore often find the word in news reports about white-collar crime.
EXAMPLE
Dem Politiker wird Untreue im Amt vorgeworfen.
The politician is accused of breach of trust in office.
Compare with
Untreue vs Betrug
fraud / cheating
In the case of a secret affair, both words can refer to a breach of trust in a relationship. „Untreue“ focuses on breaking sexual or emotional faithfulness, whereas „Betrug“ more strongly emphasizes deliberately deceiving one’s partner. Choose „Untreue“ for the violation of faithfulness and „Betrug“ for the deception.
Untreue
Für sie war seine Untreue besonders schlimm, weil er eine heimliche Affäre hatte.
His infidelity was especially painful for her because he was having a secret affair.
Betrug
Für sie war sein Betrug besonders schlimm, weil er die Affäre lange verheimlicht hatte.
His cheating was especially painful for her because he had kept the affair secret for a long time.
In real life
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