Delinquenten

Delinquenten is a term used mainly in German-language criminology, law, and sociology to refer to individuals who engage in delinquent acts, that is, offenses or anti-social behavior that contravenes legal norms. The word is a plural form and is often understood as the equivalent of the English “delinquents,” though it is largely a loanword from English used in German texts.

In usage, delinquenten can encompass offenders of varying ages and legal statuses. Some discussions distinguish between juvenile delinquents and adult offenders, while others use the broader category to describe anyone who has committed a crime or a legally defined offense. Because it can carry stigmatizing connotations, many scholars and practitioners prefer more neutral terminology, such as “die beschuldigten Personen” (the accused) or “Personen, die eine Straftat begangen haben” (persons who have committed a crime).

The concept of delinquency in this context covers a range of behaviors, from minor, isolated incidents to persistent or habitual offending. Criminological study often examines risk factors (family background, peers, poverty, neighborhood context), patterns of offending (occasional vs. chronic delinquents), and the social-legal responses aimed at prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation. In policy discussions, the focus is frequently on juvenile delinquency, rehabilitation opportunities, and alternatives to formal punishment, framed within dividing lines such as deterrence, protection of the public, and reintegration.

Overall, delinquenten is a terminological tool in German-language discourse for describing individuals associated with unlawful behavior, with ongoing debates about terminology, stigma, and the most informative ways to discuss crime and justice.