Because he thought he would get untroubled if he told the truth and he might get punished by receiving what pavel had gotten ( beat to death)
He made a list about the reasons why he hated Lieutenant Kotler.
Lieutenant Kotler called Pavel a word that Bruno did not know most likely a cuss word.
Bruno, asked Kotler for an old spare tire with which to make a tire swing. Kotler replied in jest about one of the other soldier's fat belly.
Lieutenant Kotler and Bruno's Mother had an affair and Bruno's father found out.
That he was bruised the next time Bruno saw him.
He made a list about the reasons why he hated Lieutenant Kotler.
Lieutenant Kotler called Pavel a word that Bruno did not know most likely a cuss word.
Bruno, asked Kotler for an old spare tire with which to make a tire swing. Kotler replied in jest about one of the other soldier's fat belly.
Lieutenant Kotler and Bruno's Mother had an affair and Bruno's father found out.
That he was bruised the next time Bruno saw him.
A mean soldier who hates Jews and calles Bruno little man
Bruno asks Lieutenant Kotler if he can help him find his missing dog, which he is concerned about after the family has moved to the new house near the concentration camp. This request highlights Bruno's innocence and his desire for companionship, as he feels isolated in his new environment. Kotler's dismissive response underscores the harsh realities of the world around Bruno.
When Shmuel is in the Commandant's house polishing the glasses, Bruno walks in and after talking he gives Shmuel something to eat. When Lieutenant Kotler walks in and asks Shmuel if he had taken some food, Shmuel answers that his friend(Bruno) gave it to him. Bruno felt pressured by Lieutenant Kotler's questioning of their friendship, so Bruno said he didn't know Shmuel. Because of Bruno's lying, Shmuel got into trouble.
The signs are when bruno says he always sees them whispering together and how on his fathers birthday she walks out not realizing that brun is there and she says kurt darling your still here, im free now if you want to..... and she trails off when she sees bruno standing there. Also when bruno describes his parents argument when kotler is sent away and the way his mother acts.
From chapter 15 or other chapters
pavel, the Jew who waits on them at the table, helps Bruno to find a tire, on the orders of Lieutenant Kotler, a nazi soldier
He is cruel to the prisoners, and taunts Bruno by calling him “little man,” something the boy despises. Kotler is eventually transferred away from Auschwitz when Father discovers that Kotler's father, a literature professor, fled from Germany in 1938 at the start of the war.