Schreibtischtat

desk crime; crime committed by an administrator

noun SHRYYP-tish-taht Rare

Usage Note

Schreibtischtat in journalism and legal reporting describes a crime planned or authorised from a desk, without the perpetrator being physically present at the scene. The term gained currency in coverage of war-crimes tribunals and corporate fraud. Journalists use it to critique bureaucratic complicity.

Examples

"Der Staatsanwalt bezeichnete die Unterschlagung als klassische Schreibtischtat."

Natural Translation

The public prosecutor described the embezzlement as a classic desk crime.

Literal Translation

The state-attorney designated the embezzlement as classic desk-crime.

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