straffällig
Translation
delinquent, criminal, offending
Examples
Er ist mit 16 Jahren straffällig geworden.
He became a delinquent at the age of 16.
Straffällige Jugendliche brauchen besondere Hilfe.
Delinquent youths need special help.
Grammar Patterns
straffällig werden to become delinquent, to commit a crime He became a delinquent at the age of 16.
Similar Words
kriminell (criminal), delinquent; Antonym: gesetzestreu (law-abiding)
Etymology
From 'Straf' (punishment) and 'fällig' (due, liable). Literally means 'liable for punishment'.
Memory Tips
Think of someone who has 'fallen' (fällig sounds like 'fallen') into a situation where they are due for 'punishment' (Straf).