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hehlen

to receive stolen goods; to fence stolen property

verb HEY-len Rare
People & Society Crime

Usage Note

hehlen is the verb for the offence of Hehlerei (§259 StGB): knowingly acquiring, selling, or helping to conceal stolen goods. The proverb Der Hehler ist schlimmer als der Stehler (The fence is worse than the thief) is widely known.

Examples

"Er wurde beschuldigt, gestohlene Elektronikgeräte gehehlt zu haben."

Natural Translation

He was accused of fencing stolen electronic devices.

Literal Translation

He was accused stolen electronic-devices fenced to have.

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