Police Want to Bring German Man to UK for Madeleine McCann Case

May 5, 2026, 18:43
EuropeInternational

Introduction

The London police want to bring a man named Christian Brueckner to the UK. They think he took and killed Madeleine McCann.

Main Body

Madeleine McCann disappeared in Portugal in 2007. Police think Christian Brueckner is the suspect. He lived near the place where she disappeared. His phone was also near that place. He says he did not do it. Germany has a law. This law says Germany cannot send its citizens to countries outside the EU. The UK is not in the EU. The police want to work with Portugal to help them bring the man to court. Brueckner was in prison for another crime. He left prison in September 2025. Now he lives in northern Germany. He moves from place to place and does not have a permanent home.

Conclusion

The police are still looking for more proof. They want a trial before 20 years pass since the girl disappeared.

Learning

🕰️ Talking about the Past

In this story, we see how to talk about things that already happened. We use a simple change to the word (the verb) to show the past.

The Pattern: Word + "ed"

Look at these changes from the text:

  • Disappear →\rightarrow Disappeared
  • Want →\rightarrow Wanted (though the text uses "want" for now, we say "wanted" for yesterday)

The Tricky Ones (Irregulars)

Some words don't follow the "ed" rule. They change completely. You just have to memorize these:

  • Take →\rightarrow Took (Example: He took the girl)
  • Leave →\rightarrow Left (Example: He left prison)
  • Do →\rightarrow Did (Example: He did not do it)

Quick Tip for A2 Learners: If you aren't sure, try adding "ed". Even if it's wrong, people will usually understand you are talking about the past!

Vocabulary Learning

police (n.)
A group of people who keep the law and help people.
Example:The police arrived quickly after the accident.
man (n.)
An adult male person.
Example:The man at the corner sold fresh fruit.
law (n.)
A rule that everyone must follow.
Example:It is the law to wear a seat belt.
countries (n.)
Different places that have their own government.
Example:She has visited many countries in Europe.
place (n.)
A particular spot or location.
Example:This is a good place to study.
home (n.)
The building where a person lives.
Example:After school, he goes home.
phone (n.)
A small device used to talk to others.
Example:She left her phone at home.
prison (n.)
A place where people are kept as punishment.
Example:He was sent to prison for stealing.
crime (n.)
An illegal act.
Example:The police are investigating the crime.
proof (n.)
Evidence that shows something is true.
Example:They need proof that he was there.
trial (n.)
A court hearing to decide if someone is guilty.
Example:He will have a trial next month.
disappeared (v.)
To no longer be seen or found.
Example:The child disappeared in the park.
killed (v.)
To cause a person to die.
Example:The suspect was said to have killed the victim.
bring (v.)
To take someone or something to a place.
Example:Can you bring the book to me?
think (v.)
To have an opinion or belief.
Example:I think it will rain today.
want (v.)
To wish for something.
Example:I want a new bike.
work (v.)
To do a job or task.
Example:She works at a hospital.
help (v.)
To give support or assistance.
Example:Can you help me with this?
look (v.)
To use your eyes to see.
Example:Look at that beautiful flower.
left (v.)
To go away from a place.
Example:He left the room when it was noisy.