noun
punishment, penalty, fine
B1
Strafe is a feminine noun meaning 'punishment', 'penalty' or 'fine'. It denotes legal or disciplinary consequences (e.g., judicial penalty or school punishment). Common phrases: 'eine Strafe verhängen' (to impose a penalty), 'eine Strafe zahlen' (to pay a fine). Plural: 'Strafen'. No unusual plural formation.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.EXAMPLES
Für zu schnelles Fahren gibt es eine hohe Strafe.
There is a heavy fine for driving too fast.
Die Strafe für das Vergehen war zu hart.
The punishment for the offense was too harsh.
Er musste eine Strafe zahlen.
He had to pay a fine.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.DETAILS_LABEL
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.MNEMONICS
Picture a red card (punishment) being shown as a penalty
Think of a female judge (die) giving a sentence — 'die Strafe' (feminine)
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.NOTES
Strafe covers a range of sanctions (punishment, penalty, fine). For monetary fines specifically 'Geldstrafe' is more precise. Feminine: die Strafe.