An outdated term, usually used in legal or religious contexts, for sexual acts considered morally reprehensible or socially unacceptable.
example
Im Strafgesetzbuch von 1871 wurde der Begriff der Unzucht noch verwendet.
In the penal code of 1871, the term fornication was still used.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of the prefix 'Un-' and the noun 'die Zucht'. Here, 'Zucht' means something like 'order' or 'discipline'. So 'Unzucht' (fornication) literally referred to a state of moral disorder.
EXAMPLE
Der Priester predigte gegen Laster und Unzucht.
The priest preached against vice and fornication.
Register
This word is strongly outdated and is no longer used in everyday speech today. It sounds very archaic and morally judgmental and is now found almost only in historical, religious, or legal texts.
EXAMPLE
In alten Gesetzestexten finden sich Paragrafen zur Bestrafung von Unzucht.
In old legal texts, there are paragraphs on the punishment of fornication.
Fixed expression
The historically most common combination was the phrase 'Unzucht treiben' (to engage in fornication). This was the official expression in legal texts and religious writings for carrying out sexual acts considered immoral.
EXAMPLE
Ihm wurde vorgeworfen, mit mehreren Personen Unzucht getrieben zu haben.
He was accused of having engaged in fornication with several people.