infidelity / breach of trust
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infidelity
The breaking of sexual or emotional faithfulness in a relationship; adultery or cheating.
Er konnte ihr die Untreue nicht verzeihen und trennte sich von ihr.
He could not forgive her infidelity and broke up with her.
The word 'Untreue' consists of the prefix 'un-' and the noun 'Treue' (loyalty, devotion). So it literally means a lack of faithfulness or loyalty.
Sein Verrat wurde als ein Akt der Untreue gesehen.
His betrayal was seen as an act of disloyalty.
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.
Ihre Beziehung zerbrach an seiner Untreue.
Their relationship fell apart because of his infidelity.
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.
Er hat ihr seine Untreue nach vielen Jahren gestanden.
He confessed his infidelity to her after many years.
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.
Dem Politiker wird Untreue im Amt vorgeworfen.
The politician is accused of breach of trust in office.
fraud / cheating
'der Betrug' and 'die Untreue' can both describe a breach of trust. In a relationship, they are very close in meaning: 'Untreue' means breaking faithfulness, that is, cheating or emotional infidelity. 'Betrug' emphasizes more strongly that someone is deceiving or betraying the other person. In addition, 'Betrug' can also mean a criminal offense involving deception, while 'Untreue' can also be a legal term for breach of trust in handling someone else's assets. The words can be confused especially when talking about relationships. There, 'Untreue' is the more precise term for cheating, while 'Betrug' more strongly describes the feeling of having been deceived.
Nach ihrer Untreue brauchte das Paar lange Gespräche.
After her infidelity, the couple needed long conversations.
Am Abend sprach mein Nachbar offen über den Betrug in seiner Ehe.
In the evening, my neighbor spoke openly about the cheating in his marriage.