plädieren
to plead; to argue a case; to make a closing argument
verb play-DEE-ren Rare
Origin: from Latin via French
Usage Note
plädieren is used for the formal closing speech (Plädoyer) by prosecution and defence in a criminal trial. Outside court it means to argue in favour of something: für eine härtere Strafe plädieren.
Examples
"Die Verteidigerin plädierte auf Freispruch mangels Beweisen."
Natural Translation
The defence lawyer pleaded for acquittal for lack of evidence.
Literal Translation
The defender pleaded on acquittal lacking evidence.
Free starter pack
Building your German vocabulary?
Get the 100 most common German words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.
Related Words
- Abmahnschreiben formal warning letter (demanding cessation of unlawful conduct)
- Abschiebung deportation
- Akteneinsicht access to files
- Amtsgericht local court
- Amtspflicht official duty; duty of care owed by a public official
- Anfechtungsklage action for annulment
- Angeklagte defendant
- Anhörung hearing; right to be heard (before a decision is made)
Explore German by topic
