defamation / slander
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defamation
The deliberate spreading of a false and defamatory claim about another person in order to damage their reputation. In contrast to 'üble Nachrede' (malicious gossip/defamation), in 'Verleumdung' (defamation) the perpetrator knows that the claim is false.
Er wurde wegen Verleumdung verklagt, nachdem er wissentlich Lügen über seinen Geschäftspartner verbreitet hatte.
He was sued for defamation after knowingly spreading lies about his business partner.
The noun 'die Verleumdung' (defamation) is derived directly from the verb 'verleumden' (to defame/slander). The ending '-ung' turns the action into a noun. Someone who commits 'eine Verleumdung' (an act of defamation) 'verleumdet' (defames) someone.
Er hat seinen Nachbarn verleumdet und muss nun mit einer Klage rechnen.
He defamed his neighbor and must now expect a lawsuit.
Since 'Verleumdung' (defamation) is a legal term, it is often used in legal contexts. Typical combinations are 'jemanden wegen Verleumdung anzeigen' (to report someone for defamation), 'eine Klage wegen Verleumdung' (a lawsuit for defamation), or 'sich gegen eine Verleumdung wehren' (to defend oneself against defamation).
Die Schauspielerin wehrte sich öffentlich gegen die Verleumdungen in der Presse.
The actress publicly defended herself against the defamations in the press.
'Verleumdung' (defamation) is a formal term used mainly in legal language and official contexts. In everyday language, people are more likely to speak of 'Lügen' (lies) or 'Gerüchten' (rumors).
Der offizielle Vorwurf lautet auf Verleumdung und üble Nachrede.
The official accusation is defamation and malicious gossip.
insult
Beleidigung and Verleumdung can both harm a person's reputation or honor. However, a Beleidigung does not have to contain a statement of fact. Verleumdung means that someone deliberately spreads an untrue, harmful claim about another person.
Seine Behauptung, die Kollegin habe Geld gestohlen, war eine Verleumdung, denn er wusste, dass sie falsch war.
His claim that his colleague had stolen money was defamation because he knew it was false.
Seine grobe Beschimpfung der Kollegin war eine Beleidigung.
His crude insult directed at his colleague was an insult.
