Mordbrand

German

Etymology

From Middle High German mortbrant. By surface analysis, Mord (“murder”) +‎ Brand (“fire”). Compare Swedish mordbrand, Norwegian mordbrann.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈmɔrtˌbrant/, [ˈmɔʁtˌbʁant], [ˈmɔɐ̯t-]
  • Audio (Germany):(file)

Noun

Mordbrand m (strong, genitive Mordbrandes or Mordbrands, plural Mordbrände)

  1. (higher register, dated) arson to a house with the intent to kill

Usage notes

  • Not a legal term. Chiefly found in historical contexts, but contemporary use is still possible and tends to express a very harsh moral condemnation.

Declension

Declension of Mordbrand [masculine, strong]
singular plural
indef. def. noun def. noun
nominative ein der Mordbrand die Mordbrände
genitive eines des Mordbrandes, Mordbrands der Mordbrände
dative einem dem Mordbrand, Mordbrande1 den Mordbränden
accusative einen den Mordbrand die Mordbrände

1Now rare, see notes.

  • Mordbrenner
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