to pardon
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to pardon
To fully or partially waive the punishment of a convicted person. This is an act of clemency, usually issued by a head of state.
Der Präsident hat den Gefangenen nach zwanzig Jahren Haft begnadigt.
The president pardoned the prisoner after twenty years in prison.
The verb is made up of the prefix 'be-' and the noun 'die Gnade' (mercy). Literally, it means to show someone mercy. As a verb with the prefix 'be-', it is inseparable.
Er hoffte auf die Gnade des Königs.
He hoped for the king's mercy.
The person whose punishment is waived is always in the accusative. The structure is: someone (nominative) pardons someone (accusative).
Die Königin begnadigte den zum Tode Verurteilten.
The queen pardoned the person sentenced to death.
This word is used almost exclusively in legal or political contexts. It describes an official act by a head of state (e.g., president, king) and is not an everyday word.
Nur der Gouverneur hat die Macht, den Häftling zu begnadigen.
Only the governor has the power to pardon the inmate.
to sentence / condemn
'verurteilen' and 'begnadigen' both belong to the area of courts and punishment, but they are clear opposites. When a court 'verurteilt' someone, it sets a punishment. When an authorized person 'begnadigt' someone, this punishment is fully or partially waived. The important point is: normally, someone can only be 'begnadigt' if they have already been 'verurteilt'. Learners may confuse the words because both are connected to punishment. As a guide: 'verurteilen' begins or confirms the punishment, while 'begnadigen' takes it away again or makes it lighter.
Der Präsident begnadigt die verurteilte Frau nach vielen Jahren im Gefängnis.
The president pardons the convicted woman after many years in prison.
Der Richter verurteilt den Mann wegen Diebstahls zu einer Geldstrafe.
The judge sentences the man to a fine for theft.