Court Punishes Family for Locking Up a Young Girl

May 4, 2026, 16:00
EuropeSociety

Introduction

A court in Siegen gave sentences to a mother and two grandparents. They kept a young girl locked away for a long time.

Main Body

The mother kept the girl in a house from 2015 to 2022. The mother lied. She said the girl lived in Italy. This stopped the father from seeing his daughter. The girl did not go to school. She did not see other children. She did not see a doctor. The court said the mother was very bad. She must go to prison for five years. The grandmother got a two-year sentence, but she does not go to prison now. The grandfather got a 15-month sentence, but he does not go to prison now. The girl is now 11 years old. She has problems moving her body. She does not learn like other children because she was alone for many years.

Conclusion

The court finished the case. But the family can ask a higher court to change the decision.

Learning

💡 The 'Magic' of DID NOT

In this story, we see many things that did not happen. When we talk about the past and want to say "no," we use did not + the action word.

Look at these patterns:

  • She did not go to school. →\rightarrow (Past negative)
  • She did not see other children. →\rightarrow (Past negative)
  • She did not see a doctor. →\rightarrow (Past negative)

⚠️ The Golden Rule for A2 Learners: When you use did not, the action word stays in its simple form.

❌ She did not went ✅ She did not go

Quick Comparison:

  • Positive: She went to school. (Past form)
  • Negative: She did not go to school. (Simple form)

Vocabulary Learning

court (n.)
A place where legal cases are heard.
Example:The court decided to punish the mother.
mother (n.)
A woman who has a child.
Example:The mother kept the girl at home.
grandmother (n.)
The mother’s mother.
Example:The grandmother received a sentence.
grandfather (n.)
The father’s father.
Example:The grandfather was not sent to prison.
girl (n.)
A young female person.
Example:The girl was locked away.
house (n.)
A building where people live.
Example:The girl was kept in a house.
school (n.)
A place where children learn.
Example:The girl did not go to school.
doctor (n.)
A medical professional.
Example:She did not see a doctor.
prison (n.)
A place where people are kept as punishment.
Example:She must go to prison.
sentence (n.)
A punishment given by a court.
Example:The mother received a sentence.
years (n.)
Units of time, each equal to 12 months.
Example:She must go to prison for five years.
body (n.)
The physical part of a person.
Example:She has problems moving her body.
move (v.)
To change position or location.
Example:She has problems moving her body.
learn (v.)
To acquire knowledge or skill.
Example:She does not learn like other children.
family (n.)
A group of related people.
Example:The family can ask a higher court.