The present work deals with the formulation of a prediction model for hot tearing the formation of cracks during solidification within the liquid/solid two phase region (mushy zone) in the continuous casting process, a subject matter with rising importance in the last years due to the development of new steel grades and the increase in caster productivity and product quality. Based on models from the literature and considering the demands on a process related hot tearing criterion a new strain-based approach was formulated. Assuming a temperature range within the mushy zone where strain can be accumulated, the developed model takes into account the steel composition, the strain rate and the solidification conditions. This defined temperature range was determined using a laboratory experiment in conjunction with the thermal description of the testing method. By means of the hot tearing model and numerous conducted experiments the influence of carbon content on hot tearing was investigated considering both the tear initiation and propagation. Therefore, on the one hand the developed approach allows the determination of critical values and conclusions regarding a strain-dependent severity of hot tearing can be drawn on the other hand. Hence, the experimental results in conjunction with the formulated hot tearing criterion constitute a step forward in the prediction of hot tears in the continuous casting process.