delinquent
/delɪŋˈkvɛnt/
In German, the English word 'delinquent' (referring to a late or unpaid debt) is expressed as delinquent.
The word delinquent is used as an adjective to describe a person or an account that is late or failing to pay a debt or other financial obligation.
Meaning: late or failing to pay a debt or other financial obligation (adj)
How do you pronounce it?
/delɪŋˈkvɛnt/
Did you know?
- German has a specific term Schuldner, meaning 'debtor', which shares a root with Schuld, meaning both 'debt' and 'guilt'. To be delinquent in German is therefore linguistically tied to the concept of being guilty.
- Unlike English, where 'delinquent' is common in school reports for behavior, German uses schulisch schwach or verhaltensauffällig. Using delinquent in a school context in Germany would imply actual criminal activity.
- A person who is delinquent may receive a Mahnung, which is a formal reminder. In Germany, these reminders often have a strict sequence of stages that can legally trigger penalty fees.
Examples in context
- Der Rabauke wurde von der Schule verwiesen.The delinquent was expelled from school.
Example conversation
Maximilian is reviewing a financial report with Sarah.
- MaximilianSarah, schau dir bitte diese Liste an.Sarah, please look at this list.
- SarahWarum sind diese drei Kunden als delinquent markiert?Why are these three customers marked as delinquent?
- MaximilianSie haben ihre Rechnungen nicht bezahlt.They have not paid their invoices.
- SarahIch werde sie sofort kontaktieren, Maximilian.I will contact them immediately, Maximilian.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry Delinquent.
