What does Zeuge mean?
A Zeuge (witness) tells a court or the police what they saw or heard.
der Zeuge · die Zeugen (plural)
If you are summoned as a witness, you usually have to come and tell the truth.
You often do not have to testify against close relatives. You may also stay silent if you would incriminate yourself.
You often get compensation, for example for travel costs and lost earnings. Ask for it.
Example sentence
Sie werden in der Strafsache gegen Max Mustermann als Zeuge geladen.
You are summoned as a Zeuge in the criminal case against Max Mustermann.
What you can do
Write down beforehand what you remember. Bring the summons and your ID.
Related words
- Ladung A Ladung (summons) is a request from a court or office to come to an appointment, for example a hearing.
- Termin A Termin is a fixed day and time when you should come to an office, a court or a doctor.
- Anhörungsbogen An Anhörungsbogen (hearing form) is a form from the fines office. You are asked to respond to an accusation, for example speeding.
- Rechtsanwalt A Rechtsanwalt (lawyer) advises you on legal questions and can represent you before offices and courts.